Singer Shilpa Rao was a guest speaker at ABP Network's 'Southern Rising Summit,' where she shared her thoughts on the surge of concert ticket sales in India, with events like Diljit Dosanjh and Coldplay concerts selling out in mere seconds. Commenting on this trend, Shilpa suggested that many people are buying tickets more to seem trendy on social media than for their love of the music.
Shilpa Rao on Coldplay, Diljit Dosanjh concert tickets sold in minutes
Addressing the phenomenon, Shilpa said, "I will really not mince my word on this. This is a very elitist way of looking at life. We have sucked the coolness out of denim, seafood, and concert tickets. We’re buying Coldplay tickets because we want to be seen. We don’t know any lyrics beyond ‘Fix You’, but we want to be there. We want to attend a classical music concert wearing kurtas to look cultural, but we don’t actually know anything about the ragas."
Shilpa pointed out that because of this trend, genuine fans often miss out on seeing their favourite artists perform live. “Many of my friends, who are real Coldplay fans and have attended their concerts around the world, now find themselves unable to do the same in their own country,” she added. Shilpa encouraged people to reflect on their motivations, questioning, "Do I need to do this? Am I happy doing this? If social media shuts down, will you live the same life?" She even said that concertgoers should be required to share something about the artist before being allowed in, saying, "Everyone who got a ticket should be asked to share something about Coldplay; only then should they be allowed to sit in the concert."
The role of AI in music
Shilpa also touched on the influence of artificial intelligence in the music and jingle industries. She likened AI's current role to the excitement of a first crush but cautioned about its limitations. "AI can sing in a voice that’s already created by someone who has experienced life through failure, success, etc. Without this experience, you can’t sing," she remarked, adding that while it’s too early to take a definitive stance on AI, "learning won’t grow old."
Female artists and self-expression
When asked about female singers using their sexuality for popularity, Shilpa strongly defended their right to self-expression. She said, "If you want to look sexy, go ahead, feel free—it’s your choice. I see vulgarity in people telling others what to do, what to wear, what to say. This is a vulgar way of life."
Expanding on this, she concluded, "Being sexy is your choice; it’s your life, and you can express yourself however you want. But whatever you do—whether it’s singing, painting, or anything else—do it for the love of it. Keep these two things separate. Choose a profession that you love every day."
Also read: Sai Durgha Tej On Adding His Mother’s Name After His Life-Changing Accident: ‘When I Lost My Voice…’
ABP Southern Rising Summit 2024
ABP Network's much-awaited 'Southern Rising Summit' has returned with its second edition. This year's Southern Rising Summit, themed 'Coming of Age: Identity, Inspiration, Impact', is being held in Hyderabad on October 25. The summit will celebrate the political, cultural, economic, and social advances of the southern states with changemakers and visionaries from the New South and explore the region’s transformative journey towards a brighter future.
The Southern Rising Summit was first held in Chennai in 2023, when several speakers celebrated ideas that define South India. This time too the summit will explore the region's cultural, economic, and political advancements that have stood out and played a critical role in the nation's overall progress.