MUNNA Kesari readied himself at the corner of the newsroom. Dark shades covered his eyes, his hands in one of those infamous Michael Jackson pose - all eyes were on this slim figure and what he was about to do.
Some rapid tapping on the table by one of the reporters ignited this King of Pop impersonator into a frenzy of dance moves that the late MJ was renowned for. Now, it wasn't exactly spot on but for someone who has so much love for MJ and some aspects of his life, Munna Kesari is almost a replica of the music legend.
The youngest of eight siblings, Munna aka 'Indian Jackson' is 41 years old and hails from Hyderabad, southern India. He arrived in the country for holiday after a stint in Hong Kong. Apart from mimicking MJ in almost everything minus the singing, Munna carries a banner with the words 'No War, No Aids, Only Peace' scribbled in big white letters. He says this is what he does as the 'Indian Jackson' - by advocating issues of peace like the late MJ did.
He's visited many countries, performed and entertained in front of big crowds, all for the sake of promoting peace.
"In 1986, a friend from the United States came to India and told me that I looked like Michael Jackson. At the time, I thought who was this Jackson guy. So he brought some videos and as soon as I saw Michael Jackson, I realised I did look like him and I felt like him. So I read his biographies and studied his dance movies and issues he advocated for," Munna says.
"In 1993, I started entertaining professionally as the look-alike King of Pop. I performed at different shows around India as an artist - fashion shows included. I would say I've been to more than 1000 shows and I have a big following in India.
"The only difference is that I don't do this to make money or become this big star and being in the spotlight. I entertain for charity. Whatever I receive as payment for performing is given back to charity.
"For three days, I would get maybe 46,000 rupees (F$1481). Of that, I would keep 3000 (F$96.60) for some personal expenses, give 3000 to the make-up artist, and the rest would be given to the poor that turned out to watch.
"I have a happy heart that wants to do something good for the community by sharing my love for Michael Jackson and to promote peace in this world."
It takes a lot of effort and patience to get that complete 'wacko Jacko' look but with practise, Munna has somewhat perfected the look, thanks to a bit of Panc-Cake powder, red lipstick, dark shades and his natural curly hair.
He says it took time for him to learn MJs dance moves especially when he didn't have the luxury of hiring a dance instructor. He turned down several requests to go commercial maintaining that if he did, it would go against his overall aim to spread peace.
"I don't like doing anything commercial which is why I have not gone into major deals to do commercials. I prefer to do this, perform for charity and make people happy, because I have a happy heart and I want to share that happiness around the world," said the artist who carries with him an artist's ID card from the Government of Andhra Pradesh Department of Culture.
Munna has been to European countries and others in the Asian region. This was his first trip to the South Pacific and to Fiji for that matter.
"When I went to Hong Kong, some people there told me to visit Fiji so I did. It's a very beautiful place, very green and very different from the other countries I've been to," he said of his visit.
"You are very lucky in Fiji - the weather is very good and Fiji is like a 'green plate' of God-given gifts. The people are very friendly and warm. When I came, I heard about cancer patients and I wouldn't mind performing for some cancer charity event while I'm here.
"It's heartbreaking to learn of children having cancer. It's sad but I want to do something for cancer too. I'll be here for two months before leaving for Hong Kong and then back to India."
Munna, who also has a share in their family's iron-rod construction company, says education is very important. He says even though he is a full-time entertainer, he has the business to fall back on.
"It's important for every Fijian to go to school and be educated. I think if you are educated in this world, no one can touch you," he says.
With MJ's birthday on August 29, Munna says he will continue to pay tribute to the King of Pop his own unique way by promoting peace wherever he goes.
His busy planner and hectic travelling schedules leaves very little time for love and relationships. Munna believes he will find love one day but it'll only happen if she accepts him for who he is - Munna or Indian Jackson.
"Some people don't like the way I dress or the way I look. But if I had to find love, she has to love all of me," he said.
Of course, the MJ fan doesn't always get the crowd's applause for his lifestyle. In fact, he says he's copped some flak from some family members for choosing this path.
"My father is Muslim and my mother is Christian. There's always this religious thing that I'm more Christian because I like Michael Jackson but it's not about religion. I believe in love for the people. When Michael Jackson died, I was very sad."
Munna is no ordinary impersonator and he certainly left our newsroom applauding in delight after busting a little groove on the floor. For the time being, Munna's visit to our country is nothing short of spreading a little peace and love.