Noida, India – World-renowned Indian singer, Vineet Singh Hukmani, has become the first artist globally to pay musical tribute to the legendary Michael Jackson in anticipation of his upcoming biopic. The biopic is slated for release on April 24, 2026.
Hukmani, known for his record-breaking achievement of nine No. 1 pop singles on European radio in 2021, has created officially licensed covers of Jackson's iconic songs: "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and "Thriller". These aren't mere covers; Hukmani has reinvented the tracks in a unique crossover genre, seamlessly blending Indian instruments like the sitar and tabla with contemporary arrangements and soulful vocals in English. This provides a fresh and respectful take on the King of Pop's timeless music. Music lovers can find these reimagined tracks on platforms such as Vineet.today.
The release of these three singles will be sequential, starting in late January 2026 and continuing through February and March 2026. The release strategy mirrors the original release order of Jackson's songs 44 years ago. This alternative pop project arrives at a particularly poignant time, coinciding with the 44th anniversary of Michael Jackson's groundbreaking album Thriller, the best-selling album of all time.
Hukmani's tribute is particularly notable as it infuses an authentic Indian musical flavor into a global celebration of Jackson's legacy. In creating this tribute, Hukmani collaborated with Florida-based band All Strung Out, who are themselves longtime Michael Jackson fans.
Hukmani, reflecting on his inspiration, stated that Michael Jackson dramatically changed the entertainment landscape with his songs, dance moves, and videos, and that he has always longed to be a part of Jackson's journey. He views this tribute as a blessing and an authentic expression that aligns with his belief that all genres of music should connect people from all over the world. He hopes listeners will experience both nostalgia and discovery through these reinterpretations, celebrating Jackson's enduring magic through an Indian musical lens and introducing his brilliance to new audiences.
Vineet Singh Hukmani is not only a world record-breaking singer but also a multi-Grammy-submitted artist across various genres. His blues album, Delta Blues Revival, is currently performing well on Blues Radio charts in the USA and other countries. Hukmani's music has also charted on Billboard, DRT, and The CashBox Magazine, solidifying his reputation as a global independent artist. Hukmani is also the co-founder and former CEO of Radio One.
The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, is expected to reignite the worldwide fascination with Jackson's cultural impact. Hukmani's tribute serves as a bridge between cultures and generations, celebrating the King of Pop's lasting impact through an unmistakably Indian musical lens.