From nowhere to Neverland

Nisha Kataria with MJ

Nisha’s fairytale time with Michael Jackson

What began as a chance encounter in a fair parking lot ended up with a fairy tale trip to Neverland and a jump start to the career of an aspiring musician.

Nisha Kataria was leaving the Arizona State Fair with her mom, dad, brother and sister one hot Phoenix summer.  Her family asked her to sing as they walked the couple of blocks to the car, but she refused. They pleaded with her to sing till she finally obliged and began her rendition of a Celine Dion song.

Never did she realize that heeding her family's request would land her at one of the most famous landmark celebrity homes in the world.

At that moment, a man chased Nisha down the street saying he was  impressed by her voice.  She exchanged contact information with  him and never gave it a second thought.
As fate would take a hand, Nisha received the call of a lifetime a few months later.  It turns out the man at the state fair had managed to get her demo CD to the King of Pop himself, who in turn was very impressed and wanted to meet her.  This was something he had never done with an unestablished artist before.

Thus began the journey to Neverland.  Nisha and family in tow packed the SUV and headed for Los Olivos, all the while pinching themselves and questioning what was happening. It never seemed real until they approached the gates of Neverland, complete with the beautiful pink flamingos in the entrance, the train circling the property and the King of Pop himself.

Nisha and family quickly became comfortable on the Ranch. They enjoyed the movie theater, the rides, game house, and coolers all around the property full of cool drinks and treats.

That sunny afternoon amidst an outdoor lunch prepared by Michael Jackson's chef, Jackson personally requested to meet Nisha and  hear her sing live.  Nisha was then led into a private library where Jackson awaited.  Of the experience of meeting one of her pop idols, Nisha says she was nervous as there is simply no one more legendary than the King of Pop. 

However, she says she was immediately put at ease upon meeting him experiencing his warm, friendly and pleasant demeanor. They engaged in conversation,  Michael being the gracious host, asking how her stay was going.  

Nisha told him the Ranch was wonderful and the family was having  a great time.  Then it was all business.  Michael asked her to get up and sing.  He even had a specific song request -Whitney Houston's "I will Always Love You".  

 Nisha stood up and began a song, also one of her favorites. As Nisha sang, Jackson closed his eyes and clenched his fists while smiling in sheer excitement and amazement.  In an unprecedented move, Jackson  decided he wanted to record with Nisha and embark on a world tour with her, which would be his final tour and Nisha's debut  to the world as MJ's protege. These plans would of course be derailed by Jackson's legal troubles in 2005, however, Nisha would still live at Neverland for a couple of months and get to know him on a personal level.

In preparation for the world tour, Nisha and her mother moved in to a guest unit at the Ranch.  In her short stay at Neverland, Nisha recorded an unreleased duet with the King of pop himself, as well as prepared in his private dance studios for a tour. 

Of Jackson's work ethic, Nisha describes him as a genius with a very specific musical vision.  They would practice each note to perfection and Jackson would spend hours rehearsing those dance moves that first put him on the map in the 80's.  But it wasn't all work and no play.  Nisha and Kamlesh describe the stay as better than a five star world class hotel. 

Every morning they enjoyed horse back rides on the ranch, go-carting on the paved sidewalks, the latest movies in the theatre, and freshly prepared meals by the chef.
They even enjoyed a widely publicized birthday bash, in which the entire family was invited. 

Michael Jackson's 45th birthday party at the ranch was a star studded event.
Celebrities such as Ashanti and Chris Tucker attended.  Despite the well established musicians at the event, it was Nisha who sang at the birthday party.  Again, by special request, she sang "I will always love you" at the end of the evening as the cake was cut.  

It turns out Jackson even had a taste for East Indian fashion. One evening, Nisha and Kamlesh ventured out to Los Angeles Artesia Boulevard in a private chauffuered Mercedes.  They spent the entire day browsing the latest   fashions to bring back for  Jackson and his children.  When they finally returned, Jackson couldn't contain his excitement. "Did you bring me those bindhis?" he asked excitedly as he pointed to his forehead.  

Well known for his appreciation of world cultures, Jackson was thoroughly pleased with his kurta pyjama for him and his son, as well a as a lehenga for his daughter.

The fairy tale would eventually come to an end.  Nisha and Kamy packed up and went home one weekend for what was supposed to be a  short stay.  But then accusations of child molestation reared their ugly head and plans of the world tour came to an abrupt halt.  

MJ became engulfed in his trial which lasted several months, and then moved to Bahrain.
Nisha is now enjoying a solo career, having success overseas.  She has been the opening act for European boy band Westlife and has performed for thousands.   

But she credits Jackson for her success. She says his musical genius and dedication has been an inspiration to her.  She says she will never forget the experiences and private moments she shared wtih Jackson, and the stay of a lifetime she enjoyed at Neverland Ranch.

-Selina Kataria