Sultan of Swing: Dire Strait may perform in Mumbai

The CM’s not letting Mark Knopfler slip out of Mumbai this time. Dire Straits’ legend will perform live in concert on March 5

Mumbai may have missed out on Sting but Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh’s not taking any chances this time. The heartfelt simplicity of Dire Strait’s music - Mark Knopfler’s gruff vocals and elegantly burnished Fender guitar tone will set the mood on March 5 in Mumbai. The legendary guitarist will perform live in concert in the city at the MMRDA grounds Bandra (E).

The CM is now seriously considering the suggestions made by the Event Management Association of India (EMAI) to ensure that Mumbai does not miss out on major international and national events.

The main suggestion by EMAI is to exempt organizers from payment of entertainment tax on complimentary tickets, which are usually given to sponsors and government bodies. This huge revenue loss to the organizer is one of the main reasons why Mumbai lost out to the recent rock star Sting’s concert.

“We want to develop Mumbai as a global city. A few important suggestions on reforms have been made to me vis-à-vis the rules governing live entertainment. I’m aware that other states have changed their laws to give their cities a boost in terms of revenue and tourism. Mumbai will not be left behind and shortly we will ensure that positive reforms are introduced,” CM Deshmukh told BT.

V G Jairam of EMAI, who was instrumental in convincing the officials to reduce entertainment tax from the earlier 50 to the now 25 per cent, says, “Event managers must also be accountable while promoting live events. Mumbai needs a Madison Square garden and also progressive entertainment policies that apart from boosting revenue can also give Mumbai the buzz it needs.”

Event managers propose

* Complimentary tickets for sponsors will be only Rs 100, which cannot be sold.
* If the entry is by invitation and has sponsors, 25 per cent tax and none on barter sponsorships.
* Abolish the NoC from Home department required by foreign artists to perform in the city
* Introduce a single window system in BMC.