Deepak Choudhary: How 2024 Redefined India as a Global Giant in Live Music
by Deepak Choudhary Industry Watch | December 31, 2024 | News
Deepak Choudhary EVA Live Coldplay Arijit Singh Dua Lipa
The year 2024 wasn’t just a milestone for India’s live music industry—it was a revelation. The scale, ambition, and resonance of live entertainment this year have set a precedent that will echo for years to come. As someone who has witnessed the evolution of this space firsthand, it’s clear that we’re no longer a passive market; India is now a central stage where global icons and homegrown superstars converge to redefine what live experiences can be.
India Becomes a Global Stage
Coldplay’s debut in India, long anticipated and finally set for January 2025, became one of the year’s most defining moments before the band even stepped on stage. Tickets sold out in minutes, setting a new benchmark for demand and demonstrating the immense enthusiasm of Indian audiences for premium global acts. This wasn’t an isolated event—Ed Sheeran’s announcement of a six-city tour, also scheduled for early 2025, sparked similar excitement, with tickets vanishing as soon as they became available. These aren’t just concerts; they’re cultural milestones that affirm India’s position as a vital stop on the global tour map.
Dua Lipa’s performance at Zomato’s Feeding India concert added another layer to the year’s story. Her set, enriched by a tribute to Shah Rukh Khan’s Bollywood legacy, demonstrated the power of cross-cultural collaboration. It’s no longer just about international artists visiting India; it’s about blending global and local flavors to create something uniquely resonant. This kind of fusion is what makes India a truly exciting destination for live entertainment.
Indian Superstars Redefine Success
While international acts made headlines, the true story of 2024 lies in the roaring dominance of Indian talent. Arijit Singh’s 15-city tour, with 300,000 tickets sold before a single performance, showcased the sheer magnetism of his music. He isn’t just an artist; he’s a phenomenon. Audiences across geographies and demographics resonate deeply with his work, and his tour is a testament to the enduring power of Indian melodies.
Diljit Dosanjh’s ₹200 crore-grossing world tour shattered records, positioning Punjabi music as a global cultural export. His sold-out performances across continents weren’t just a victory for him but for an entire genre that has steadily climbed the global charts. Karan Aujla, with his string of sold-out shows, and AP Dhillon, whose three major concerts in India were nothing short of spectacular, further proved that Punjabi music is no longer a niche interest—it’s a mainstream force reshaping the Indian music narrative.
Tech Revolutionizes Live Entertainment
This year also saw a tectonic shift in the business of live entertainment. Zomato’s acquisition of Paytm Insider was a game-changing move that reflects the increasing intersection of technology and live events. Add to this Warner Music’s investment in Skillbox and Swiggy’s launch of the Scenes platform, and it’s clear that the infrastructure of live entertainment is evolving as rapidly as the performances themselves. These innovations go beyond enhancing ticketing or event promotion—they are creating seamless experiences for audiences, ensuring that live entertainment keeps pace with the expectations of a younger, tech-savvy demographic.
Diversity Thrives Across Genres
2024 wasn’t just about the big names; it was a year that celebrated diversity in music. Bryan Adams’ seven-city tour by Eva Live drew record-breaking crowds, reminding us of the timeless appeal of classic rock. Meanwhile, Cigarettes After Sex, with their indie-pop sensibilities, proved that India is ready to embrace niche music genres. Their January 2025 tour, which sold out within hours, is a testament to the eclectic tastes of Indian audiences and the growing space for alternative acts.
2025: The Future Looks Golden
As I reflect on 2024, I can’t help but see it as a year that has fundamentally redefined India’s live music landscape. The frenzy around tickets for Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Cigarettes After Sex offers a glimpse of what lies ahead. With India’s live music industry projected to cross ₹1,000 crore next year, the stage is set for a golden age. This is no longer just an industry—it’s a movement that celebrates diversity, innovation, and the unifying power of music.
But the numbers alone don’t capture the full picture. What makes this transformation truly remarkable is the stories behind the success. It’s the story of Dua Lipa blending her artistry with Bollywood, the story of Arijit Singh connecting with millions across cities, and the story of Diljit Dosanjh taking Punjabi music from local stages to international arenas. These are the moments that remind us why live music matters—not just as an industry but as a way to connect, to celebrate, and to be inspired.
The growing sophistication of Indian audiences, the willingness of global icons to engage with this market, and the meteoric rise of regional and indie music all point to a future where India doesn’t just host live music—it leads the way. Here’s to a future built on the extraordinary foundation that 2024 has laid.
Author - Deepak Choudhary, Managing Director, Eva Live and EVENTFAQS Media
Deepak Choudhary shares insight on a future built on the extraordinary foundation that 2024 has laid.