WAVES 2025: First-ever White Paper on India's live events economy unveiled
Commissioned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the White Paper, launched in the presence of Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, I&B Ministry, focuses on India's live events landscape which is undergoing a transformation.
The period from 2024 to 2025 marks a defining inflection point, with international acts such as Coldplay performing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, signalling India's readiness to host global-scale events.
According to the ministry, key trends in the sector include the rise of event tourism, with nearly half a million attendees traveling specifically for live music events — indicating the emergence of a robust music-tourism economy.
Premium ticketing segments -- such as VIP experiences, curated access, and luxury hospitality -- have witnessed over 100 per cent year-on-year growth, pointing to an increasingly experience-driven audience.
Participation from tier 2 cities has surged, driven by multi-city tours and the growing popularity of regional festivals.
'Live entertainment is not a side note to India's creative economy anymore; it is a strategic lever that stimulates employment and drives skill development. Large-scale events in the current landscape typically generate approximately 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs each, underscoring the sector's growing role in supporting livelihoods and fostering a dynamic workforce,' said the I&B Ministry.
The event also saw the launch of key reports, including the 'Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment Sector 2024-25' by I&B Ministry, among others.
According to the ministry, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030, unlocking new avenues for economic growth, employment generation, tourism, and enhanced global cultural presence.
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Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Union Ministers, Governors condole Kota Srinivasa Rao's demise
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India Gazette
14 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Deeply saddened": Home Minister Amit Shah condoles demise of actor Kota Srinivasa Rao
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his condolences to the family of veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away on Sunday morning in Hyderabad. He was 83. Home Minister Shah expressed his sorrow at the unfortunate demise of Kota Srinivasa Rao. He remembered the late artist for his 'acting talent' and 'devotion' for the upliftment of the poor people. While paying tribute to Rao, Amit Shah wrote on X, 'Deeply saddened by the demise of illustrious film personality Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu. Admired for his phenomenal acting talent, Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu made his place in people's hearts and won honors for his devotion to uplifting the poor. He was also conferred the Padma Shri award in 2015. The enduring legacy he left behind will continue to inspire generations of actors. My thoughts are with the bereaved family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti.' Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the actor for his 'riveting' performances and social service throughout his over four-decade-long career. While paying tribute to the late Telugu actor, PM Modi wrote on X, ' Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility. He enthralled audiences across generations with his riveting performances. He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.'Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also condoled his death, calling it an 'irreparable loss' to the Telugu film industry. In a post on X, CM Chandrababu Naidu said, 'The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable. The numerous memorable roles he played as a villain and character artist will forever stay etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences.'Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu village, a suburb of Vijayawada city in Andhra Pradesh. Making his debut with 'Pranam Khareedu' in 1978, he acted in over 750 films in various languages. He also received the Padma Shri in 2015, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, for his contribution to Indian cinema. (ANI)
India.com
15 hours ago
- India.com
Amit Shah Pays Tribute To Veteran Actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, Hails His Devotion To Uplifting The Poor
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his condolences to the family of veteran Telugu actor and former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao, who passed away on Sunday morning in Hyderabad. He was 83. Home Minister Shah expressed his sorrow at the unfortunate demise of Kota Srinivasa Rao. He remembered the late artist for his "acting talent" and "devotion" for the upliftment of the poor people. While paying tribute to Rao, Amit Shah wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the demise of illustrious film personality Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu. Admired for his phenomenal acting talent, Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu made his place in people's hearts and won honours for his devotion to uplifting the poor. He was also conferred the Padma Shri award in 2015. The enduring legacy he left behind will continue to inspire generations of actors. My thoughts are with the bereaved family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti." Deeply saddened by the demise of illustrious film personality Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu. Admired for his phenomenal acting talent, Shri Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu made his place in people's hearts and won honors for his devotion to uplifting the poor. He was also conferred the… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 13, 2025 Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the actor for his "riveting" performances and social service throughout his over four-decade-long career. While paying tribute to the late Telugu actor, PM Modi wrote on X, " Anguished by the passing of Shri Kota Srinivas Rao Garu. He will be remembered for his cinematic brilliance and versatility. He enthralled audiences across generations with his riveting performances. He was also at the forefront of social service and worked towards empowering the poor and downtrodden. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti." Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also condoled his death, calling it an "irreparable loss" to the Telugu film industry. In a post on X, CM Chandrababu Naidu said, "The demise of the renowned actor Kota Srinivasa Rao, who won the affection of cinema audiences with his versatile roles, is deeply saddening. His artistic contributions to the fields of cinema and theatre over nearly four decades, and the roles he portrayed, will remain unforgettable. The numerous memorable roles he played as a villain and character artist will forever stay etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences." Kota Srinivasa Rao was born on July 10, 1942, in Kankipadu village, a suburb of Vijayawada city in Andhra Pradesh. Making his debut with 'Pranam Khareedu' in 1978, he acted in over 750 films in various languages. He also received the Padma Shri in 2015, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, for his contribution to Indian cinema.
