By Bahunlang Pde
India’s live entertainment industry is on the brink of a boom, with the concert economy poised to become a multi-billion-dollar force. There are several negative comments on social media which truly concerns me about the collective intelligence of the ones commenting. Questions loom in my head – Are they truly in the dark like frogs stuck in a well or have hidden agendas? I will consider the former & continue with cold hard facts, though I doubt they read newspapers.
First and foremost, it is important to note that it is not the place of any online or offline critics, to dictate how the common people choose to spend their hard-earned money. If people wish to attend a concert, invest in a cultural experience, or support a local event, that decision belongs to them. It is their money, their life, and their enjoyment. Every citizen of India has the right to use their legally earned money as they wish, protected under Article 21 (right to life and liberty) and Article 300A (protection from deprivation of property). Any unlawful coercion or restriction can be legally challenged under constitutional and penal laws. No external voice should interfere with personal choices that bring joy and positively impact their community. So please, people online commenting half-witted and half-baked fake news, beware.
India’s live events industry has generated Rs 1,600-2,000 crore in months, with ticket sales contributing Rs 750-950 crore. By 2025, it could be worth Rs 10,000 crore. International stars like Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and U2 attract record crowds, while Bollywood festivals thrive—all backed by immense behind-the-scenes strenuous operations. But what most people in Shillong do not see is the enormous machinery operating behind the scenes to make just one global concert a reality. Bringing an international-level concert to India is no small feat. The planning starts at least six months in advance, involving hundreds of crew members, months of logistics coordination, and massive financial investments. Here is a reality check:
1.Infrastructure & Setup: A single concert stage for an A-list artist requires 150-200 tons of equipment, flown in by cargo planes. Sound, lighting, and video systems take weeks to assemble, with teams working round the clock.
2. Logistics & Manpower: International artists travel with a core team of 50-100 people, including technicians, security, and stylists. Local event teams add another 1,000+ workers handling permits, crowd control, and backstage coordination.
3. Permits & Red Tape: In India, hosting an event of this scale requires approvals from multiple government departments, including police, fire safety, and municipal authorities—a process that can delay projects for months.
4. Economic Impact: Beyond ticket sales, concerts drive business in hospitality, travel, and merchandise. A major international concert can generate Rs 200-500 crore in total spending across hotels, restaurants, and tourism.
But the impact is not just financial—it transforms the entire region where the concert happens. The hospitality sector booms with thousands of fans booking hotels, dining out, and using local transport. Restaurants, cafes, and street vendors see record sales. Small businesses—local souvenir shops, merchandise sellers, and tour operators—get a massive boost. In fact, a December 2024 Bank of Baroda study done by Economists, Dipanwita Mazumdar and Jahnavi Prabhakar, shows that every Rs 1 spent on a concert ticket translates to Rs 4-5 in additional economic activity for the local economy.
Despite the clear benefits, there has been considerable pushback on the idea of hosting major concerts in places like Meghalaya. Some online comments and media reports express concerns over the environmental impact and the suitability of such events for the local culture. These voices, while vocal, miss the larger picture: concerts bring prosperity, global attention, and employment opportunities. These critics fail to acknowledge that every major event, from international sports tournaments to cultural festivals, requires extensive planning and careful consideration. Yes, there are challenges, but they should not overshadow the monumental rewards that come with global exposure and investments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech at the Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave, underscored the importance of building an infrastructure to support this sector. He emphasized the government’s commitment to creating world-class venues and promoting large-scale events across the country. Modi’s vision of turning India into a global hub for live entertainment reflects his understanding of the immense potential in this sector. With proper investment, better infrastructure, and strategic planning, India could lead the world in hosting cultural and music festivals, providing employment and economic opportunities along the way.
There are several other ambitious ventures such as Concert Tourism brought in by Indian born-Sunburn Festival and International level such as Tomorrowland and Coachella. Given the large conference spaces and good weather – another option can be Conference Tourism – tie up with corporates directly for their offsites and conferences. The concert economy is not just about music—it is a multi-dimensional boon, driving job creation, tourism, and much needed local growth with employment. If there are no tourists to a tourist destination, how will the locals earn? If we continue this positive path with sustainability, right support and infrastructure, Meghalaya could become the ultimate destination for global artists with their fans in tow. We are on the cusp of something extraordinary—let us ensure we rise to the occasion and embrace the opportunities before us instead of crocking like blind frogs with no end goal from a deep dark well of nothingness.