India's concert economy set to generate 12 million jobs by 2032, report
In recent years, live music events in India have grown in scale and frequency, drawing global acts like Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Cigarettes After Sex, Guns N' Roses and more. While major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru remain central, emerging cities such as Guwahati, Jaipur, Kochi, and Chandigarh are now regularly hosting large-scale concerts.
This geographical shift is helping to decentralise employment opportunities. Each major concert can create between 15,000 to 20,000 temporary jobs across logistics, security, hospitality, artist liaison, digital media, and event technology. In some cases, about 10–15% of these temporary roles are converting to full-time employment, particularly in technical areas like production, lighting, and audio engineering.
NLB Services CEO Sachin Alug said the sector has moved beyond seasonal shows to become 'year-round economic engines,' calling for urgent investments in skill development, especially in smaller cities. 'The concert economy is not just about entertainment — it's about job creation, formalisation, and youth empowerment,' he added.
The economic ripple effect of major events is already evident. Coldplay's 2024 Ahmedabad concert reportedly added ₹641 crore to the local economy, including ₹72 crore in GST revenue. Hotels saw a surge in occupancy, flights were overbooked, and F&B outlets reported record sales.
Platforms like BookMyShow Live have played a central role in shaping India's concert landscape. Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer for Live Events, noted that concerts now operate 'at an international scale,' citing events like Lollapalooza India and Bandland, which have created over 8,500 jobs each.
Looking ahead, the sector is poised to become a ₹15,000 crore industry, though its continued growth depends on infrastructure, state support, and upskilling efforts. Meanwhile, social media and the fear of missing out (FoMO) are also driving ticket demand, with fans eager to attend global acts that may not return soon.
With a packed 2025 lineup featuring Travis Scott, Enrique Iglesias, and more, India's concert economy shows no sign of slowing. Industry stakeholders believe the momentum could lead to a long-term transformation of how entertainment, tourism, and employment intersect in the country.
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