New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Renowned singer Hariharan says when tickets for music concerts sell for lakhs of rupees, it limits the options for the fans - a tough reality that needs to be addressed through a balanced approach by performers. Talking to PTI ahead of his 50-year Legacy Concert on Saturday here at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the “Roja” singer said expensive tickets “create a sense of exclusivity and grandeur" but they also raise questions about accessibility. “When ticket prices go into lakhs, it inevitably limits who can attend, and that’s a tough reality for fans who may deeply admire an artist but are priced out of the experience,” Hariharan told PTI in an interview.
The 69-year old said that the surge in musical concerts in India is a testament to the passion Indian audiences have for music, and to the artists — both domestic and international. In recent months, music concerts by British band Coldplay and Punjabi singer-actor Diljeet Dosanjh made headlines for their sold out shows and tickets that were sold for as much as Rs 10 lakh through unofficial platforms. Hariharan, who is celebrating 50 years in the music industry, suggested that a balanced approach was needed to manage this trend by organising both premium and affordable performances.
“There’s room for premium, high-production concerts that offer a larger-than-life experience, but there should also be avenues for more affordable performances, so the magic of live music remains in.