ark Knopfler was here. So were Sting, Elton John, Roger Waters and the Scorpions. Soon, the Eagles and U2 will work their magic on Indian audiences, who�ve never had it so good. The brainchild behind this flurry of live rock shows flooding the country, is Bangalore-based DNA Networks. Founded by T Venkat Vardhan, DNA started off in the mid-1980s by organising one-off international events. However, after the forex reforms of 1999, organising such events regularly has become DNA Network�s core business.

The live events business is valued at Rs 600 crore and is expected to get bigger - considering that corporate events too have become a regular feature. Says Vardhan, "The potential is phenomenal. The economy is booming and consumers are prepared to try and experience new types of live entertainment." For the organisers, however, putting together a live show involves a lot of hassles and Vardhan feels that the biggest challenge would be to overcome these. "Cumbersome permission procedures, a very high rate of taxation on entertainment are impediments that stifle vertical growth," he says.... more