The link with showbiz's brightest and most mercurial star did not break even after that.

'Even after he left Bahrain, he called me twice. The last call came when he wished me Happy New Year in 2007,' said Ramesh, who now works as a shopkeeper in Bahrain and is home on leave.

Tuesday night was tough for Ramesh. The family gathered around the television set to bid adieu to the former boss, who was revered as much as he was reviled, as his funeral was broadcast alive to millions around the world.

'My son Tanuj was holding a few toys that Jackson gave me for him just before he left Bahrain. All of us watched TV and we were sad. I can't believe he is no more,' Ramesh said, remembering how the strange star covered his face every time he stepped out with his children.

With MJ, as he was called, no more, Ramesh's image of the man is not the much written about music genius as much in the news for his songs as his eccentricities but the kind boss who gifted toy cars and dolls to the children of his employees.