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In the heart of India’s cultural reawakening lies a roaring stage, a cheering crowd, and a spotlight that’s only getting brighter. The live entertainment industry in India, long seen as a vibrant but niche corner of the media and entertainment (M&E) ecosystem, is now fast becoming its powerhouse pillar. From mega-concerts and immersive tours to local gigs and intimate performances, the country’s appetite for experiential entertainment is setting new records — and rewriting the rules.
According to the latest EY-FICCI M&E report (March 2025), live events in India grew 15% in 2024, reaching ₹101 billion (₹10,100 crore), and are projected to touch ₹167 billion by 2027, clocking an impressive 18.2% CAGR — the fastest among all entertainment segments. This surge is fueled by international and domestic acts, with audiences across metros and tier-2/3 cities showing a deep, evolving engagement with live cultural experiences.
More than entertainment — It's healing, nostalgia, and wonder The diversity of concerts and tours sweeping India reflects a profound shift in the Indian audience, from passive content consumers to active cultural participants. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ Tour has captured the imagination of a generation looking for healing through heritage. Blending classical Indian music with neuroscience-backed emotional well-being practices, the tour has found resonance in both younger audiences and seasoned listeners.
It is an excellent example of how wellness, mindfulness, and live performance are intersecting in the modern Indian milieu. Sonu Nigam, one of India's most revered voices, returned to the stage yet again with a heartfelt tribute to Mohammed Rafi, celebrating one of Bollywood’s greatest legends. His sold-out shows in Mumbai and Delhi became a nostalgic pilgrimage for lovers of timeless melodies.
And then there’s AR Rahman, whose upcoming ‘Wonderment’ Tour is already creating a buzz. Launching first in Mumbai before heading to North America, Rahman’s journey promises not just a concert but a multi-sensory experience that blends orchestration, AR/VR, and his signature soul-stirring soundscapes. It’s emblematic of the next phase of Indian live entertainment — tech-infused, genre-fluid, and globally aspirational.
And yes, the recently concluded Lollapalooza India 2025 made headlines too, with over 50,000 fans thronging the venue to watch international sensations like Shawn Mendes, Green Day, Zedd, and India’s own Hanumankind take the stage by storm. It's a testament to how India is now firmly on the map for global touring circuits, hosting lineups that would once seem unimaginable. The sector that refuses to stay silent The EY-FICCI report highlights several key macro trends powering this growth: A young, mobile-first audience: With over 750 million screens in India and rising disposable incomes in non-metro cities, access to music and culture is no longer an urban privilege.
Shift from passive to immersive consumption: While OTT and digital platforms continue to grow, the audience is increasingly seeking shared, real-world experiences. Live events are bridging that gap. Government and private support: From state-sponsored cultural events to private players like BookMyShow Live bringing international acts (including the just-announced Guns N’ Roses India 2025 Tour), the ecosystem is thriving on collaboration and capital.
Diversification of formats: Live entertainment is no longer just about music. It spans stand-up comedy, motivational speaking, wellness retreats, spiritual performances, and hybrid tech-led experiences. As BookMyShow Live gears up to bring Guns N’ Roses back to India after 12 long years — with a massive stadium gig slated for May 17, 2025, at Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse — fans across generations are gearing up for what promises to be a once-in-a-generation experience.
This, again, isn't just about nostalgia. It's about India’s rising global relevance in the entertainment world. Beyond metros: The rise of India’s 'top 40 cities' The report also notes a shift in momentum from traditional metros to what it calls the “next 10” cities — urban hubs like Indore, Lucknow, Surat, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, and Jaipur, each with populations over a million and rising cultural aspirations.
These cities are fast becoming hotbeds for concerts, festivals, and touring acts, often outpacing metros in ticket sales and engagement. This geographic decentralisation is not just good for business — it’s crucial for representation, inclusion, and giving local talent a stage to shine on. What comes next? If current trends hold, India is set to become not just a destination market for international acts but also an exporter of unique musical and cultural experiences.
As per the report, the country is already witnessing greater investment in AI-led event tech, multilingual content creation, dynamic ticketing platforms, and IP monetization across formats. From the sitar to synthwave, ghazals to EDM, wellness to wonder — India’s live entertainment canvas has never looked this vivid..
