Singer Vineet Singh Hukmani creates unique Indian styled tribute to Michael Jackson ahead of upcoming biopic

In this conversation, Vineet opens up about his lifelong connection to Jackson’s music, the thought behind the reinterpretations, and what it means to pay homage to a global icon 44 years after Thriller changed pop history forever.Vineet, you’ve decided to pay rich tribute to Michael Jackson ahead of his upcoming biopic. How did this project come about? Vineet Singh Hukmani: Michael Jackson has been a lifelong inspiration for me. When I learned about the upcoming biopic, it felt like the perfect moment to honour his legacy musically. This project came from a deep sense of respect and gratitude—for his artistry, his global impact, and the way his music shaped generations, including mine. I am glad mine is the first tribute, globally, to highlight his legacy in the 44th year of the album thriller and 2026, being the year of his exciting biopic You chose to reinterpret three of his most iconic songs— Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller. Why these tracks? Vineet: These songs are timeless and represent different facets of Michael Jackson’s genius—rhythm, energy, storytelling, and cultural impact. They also lent themselves beautifully to reimagining while still preserving their original soul. Your versions blend Indian instruments like sitar and tabla with contemporary arrangements. What inspired this crossover approach? Vineet: I wanted to bring an authentic Indian musical flavor into a global tribute. Indian textures have incredible emotional depth and blending them with modern pop arrangements allowed me to create something fresh yet respectful—something that bridges cultures organically. You can listen to them hereHow did you ensure the reinterpretations remained respectful to Michael Jackson’s original work? Vineet: Respect was the foundation of this project. These are licensed covers, and every creative decision was made with the intention of honoring the originals, not overshadowing them. The melodies remain familiar, while the arrangements offer a new perspective. You collaborated with Florida-based band All Strung Out on this project. How did that partnership shape the music? Vineet: All Strung Out are longtime Michael Jackson fans, so there was an immediate creative connection. Their contemporary sensibilities blended well with my vision, helping us strike the right balance between homage and innovation. The singles are being released sequentially over three months. Was there a strategy behind this rollout? Vineet: Yes, absolutely. Each song deserves its own moment. Releasing them one by one allows listeners to fully experience each reinterpretation, while also building anticipation leading up to the biopic’s release. They are being released in the same order that Michael Jackson released them 44 years ago!Michael Jackson’s Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, even 44 years later. What does his enduring legacy mean to you personally? Vineet: There is no one more influential or universally recognized than Michael Jackson. He transformed music, dance, and visual storytelling forever. As both a child and an adult, I’ve always longed to be part of his journey in some way—this tribute feels like a blessing. You’ve achieved significant global success across genres from USA to Europe. How does this project fit into your broader artistic journey? Vineet: My journey has always been about crossing genres and cultures. Whether it’s pop, rock, country, blues - where my current album is charting high, OR this new alternative crossover project, the goal is the same—authentic expression. This tribute aligns perfectly with my belief that all genres of music should connect people from all over the world. What do you hope listeners and Michael Jackson fans take away from these reimagined tracks? Vineet: I hope listeners feel both nostalgia and discovery. This is a celebration of Michael Jackson’s enduring magic, seen through an Indian musical lens. If it plays a small part in keeping his legacy growing for existing fans and introduces his brilliance to new audiences, then I’ve done what I started out to do! For more, visi