Stage shows hit in a big way due to recession

Star-studded shows and events which are hugely popular in India and abroad, are also feeling the heat of the meltdown.

Cineyug run by the Morani brothers who organise a series of star- studded shows and corporate events across India and the globe, are quick to say that at a time when they wanted to increase the rates of their events because of inflation, are being asked by clients to decrease the price, because of the global recession. “Award event organisers are asking us for a price cut to the tune of one crore! Since reducing production costs does not help much, the only way we can reduce our price is by asking the stars to cut down. At least by 20 percent! Our forthcoming events like the Star-Screen, Sony-Filmfare and Zee awards are being planned as scheduled, but if the scenario does not change by April we definitely have to plan new budgets,” says Mohammad Morani of Cineyug.

Bunty Walia of GS Entertainment, an event management company says that the demand for star shows has come down drastically. Firstly, because of recession and secondly because of the overdose of these shows. “Events like Mr India, Miss Teen and others which we manage, will continue, but it is the shows which are affected badly. The company’s next show in February, which is planned in Dubai with Akshay Kumar as the main attraction, has not been finalised because of the meltdown. “We are hoping for a 25-30 per cent cut in star prices, or the show may have to be cancelled. Stars made their money when the going was good. I think they will understand the problems we are facing from our clients and will concede to a price cut,” says Walia.