NEW DELHI/ MUMBAI - Indian fans of Michael Jackson have expressed grief and shock at the sudden death of the Pop star whose musical genius overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals.

As the news bulletins, radio airwaves and social networking sites remained flooded with tributes for a man called the “King of Pop” and “natural heir to Elvis”, Bollywood actor Govinda recalled that Michael Jackson used to be his favourite during college days.

“I want to say that when we were in college we used to hear a lot about Michael Jackson and used to appreciate him a lot. And we used to talk about him that he is a great star and he reached to that height. We heard a lot about his surgeries and he has always been in news. But all I can say is that god give his soul peace,” said Govinda.

Jacko’s fans in New Delhi expressed grief and shock over his death.

“Michael Jackson death has really shocked his fans across the world. I think he was this century’s greatest singer and dancer. He was also aiming for a return… comeback but I guess that wont happen now. I really feel saddened because of his death,” said Malvin, a local.

“Michael Jackson had fans not only in America but also all over the world. And his death that too at an early age is very-very shocking,” said Akshay Kapoor, another local.

The 50-year-old, whose towering musical legacy was tarnished by often-bizarre behaviour and sex scandals, was pronounced dead on Thursday after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest.

The self-styled “King of Pop,” whose hits included “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” leaves behind a mountain of debt and an unfulfilled series of comeback concerts set for London in July. Many hoped the shows would rake in millions and erase his financial troubles.

Jackson dominated the charts in the 1980s and sold an estimated 750 million records, a figure that is likely to rise with the expected posthumous re-release of his hits. “Thriller”, which came out in 1982, remains the best-selling album of all time.

Jackson also won 13 Grammy Awards, made boundary-breaking music videos and his slick dance moves were imitated by legions of fans, and fellow pop stars, around the world.

But his preference for the company of children, high-pitched voice, numerous plastic surgeries and life as a virtual recluse earned him many critics and the nickname “Wacko Jacko.” (ANI)