Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L Murugan, launched a groundbreaking White Paper titled “India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative” at WAVES 2025. Commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and prepared by EventFAQs Media, a knowledge partner of WAVES 2025, the document offers a detailed analysis of India’s burgeoning live entertainment industry and its role in the nation’s cultural and creative economy.
Launch Event and Key Attendees
The launch was attended by prominent figures, including Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Shri R.K. Jena, Senior Economic Advisor; Smt. Meenu Batra, Joint Secretary; Shri Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting); and Shri Deepak Choudhary, Managing Director, EVA Live and EventFAQs. The event also marked the release of other significant reports, such as the Statistical Handbook on Media & Entertainment Sector 2024–25, From Content to Commerce by BCG, A Studio Called India by Ernst & Young, and Legal Currents by Khaitan & Co.
Key Highlights of the White Paper
The White Paper underscores the transformation of India’s live events sector from a fragmented industry to a structured pillar of economic and cultural growth. Key trends include:
- Event Tourism: Nearly 500,000 attendees travel for live music events, signaling the rise of a robust music-tourism economy.
- Premium Ticketing Growth: VIP experiences, curated access, and luxury hospitality segments have grown over 100% year-on-year, reflecting an experience-driven audience.
- Tier-2 City Participation: Multi-city tours and regional festivals have fueled increased engagement from Tier-2 cities.
- Job Creation: Large-scale events generate 2,000 to 5,000 temporary jobs each, supporting livelihoods and skill development.
The report highlights 2024–2025 as a defining period, with global acts like Coldplay performing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, showcasing India’s capability to host world-class events.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The live entertainment sector is no longer a footnote but a strategic driver of India’s creative economy. It stimulates employment, fosters talent development, and enhances India’s global cultural presence. The White Paper emphasizes that with focused investments, policy support, and infrastructure upgrades, India could become one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030.
Why This Matters
The White Paper positions the live events industry as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and job creation. By highlighting emerging trends and strategic recommendations, it provides a roadmap for stakeholders to capitalize on the sector’s potential while fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
As India’s live events landscape continues to evolve, the insights from the White Paper will guide policymakers, industry leaders, and creators in building a sustainable and inclusive entertainment economy. The sector’s growth trajectory promises to elevate India’s global standing while creating opportunities for millions.