MAM
Meaningful ‘music’ on RED FM; airs CRY children’s voices
MUMBAI: RED FM, the radio branch of the India Today Group has decided to bring a smile on the faces of Mumbai’s underprivileged children.
According to a press release, RED FM (93.5 FM) has added a new dimension to programming on radio by inviting Child Relief and You (CRY) to participate in their show dedicated to “Care for Mumbai’s street children”. 93.5 RED FM will have six underprivileged children on-air live from their studios in Mumbai on its weekly show Bombay Matters. RED FM has also pledged an amount of Rs 100,000 to CRY.
In the show Bombay Matters which airs every Saturday, pertinent matters are discussed: socially relevant issues such as homosexuality, physical and sexual abuse. The RED FM team has decided that it will tackle the issue of underprivilged children – a matter that is close to every Mumbai resident’s heart.
This special programme aims to provide a humane face to one of the most powerful information media.Bombay Matters will have these children in the studios along with a CRY spokesman. The children will describe their average day to Mumbai, talk about their lives, trails and tribulations.
The programme also aims to collect money from their listeners in Mumbai, which would be utilised by CRY for the betterment of these street children. Listeners would be provided by phones numbers during the program or send an SMS to 2424, following which a CRY representative will get in touch with them to collect the donations.
Radio Today COO Nishchint Chawla was quoted as saying in a release: “Mumbai is not a heartless city. Its heart cries for these under-privileged children. This programme aims to bridge the gap between these street children and the caring citizens. Not only will it provide these children a platform to air their feelings but also provide the ever-caring citizens with a channel to contribute towards their welfare. On our part we are pledging Rs 100,000/- to CRY towards these children.”
This programme is being produced by Freishia Bomanbehram and will be hosted by Natasha Borges.Bombay Matters is on 93.5 RED FM every Saturday, 8am – 12 noon.
MAM
India’s experience economy grows as live events market hits Rs 17,000 crore
EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow report finds 78 per cent Indians prefer experiences over products
MUMBAI: India’s live entertainment scene is no longer just about music, comedy or festivals. It is increasingly becoming a powerful stage for brands seeking deeper connections with consumers.
A new report titled Beyond Attention, Into Immersion by EY-Parthenon and BookMyShow suggests that India’s experience economy is entering a strong growth phase, driven by consumers who are choosing memorable moments over material purchases.
According to the study, the country’s live events ecosystem, which includes concerts, comedy tours, festivals and immersive exhibitions, is estimated to reach around Rs 17,000 crore in 2025. The growth reflects a broader cultural shift in how Indians spend their time and money.
The report finds that 78 per cent of Indian consumers now prefer spending on experiences rather than physical products. From attending concerts and festivals to participating in interactive brand installations, audiences are increasingly seeking engagement, community and shareable moments.
This change in consumer behaviour is particularly evident among younger audiences who want to participate rather than simply watch. Instead of passively consuming entertainment, many now look for experiences that allow them to interact, express themselves and connect with like minded communities.
For marketers, this shift has turned experiential marketing into a strategic priority rather than a promotional add on. Brands are moving away from interruption driven advertising and towards immersive formats that allow consumers to discover, test and emotionally connect with products.
The report suggests that experiential marketing now plays a role across the entire consumer journey. It can spark brand discovery, strengthen storytelling, encourage product trials and ultimately influence purchase decisions and loyalty.
The impact is already visible. Post event surveys conducted among 7,450 attendees at major events including Lollapalooza India and concerts by Ed Sheeran and Guns N’ Roses highlight the effectiveness of these experiences.
Around 59 per cent of attendees recalled brands they interacted with during the events, while 55 per cent said those interactions increased their likelihood of purchasing from the brand. A further 63 per cent reported that brand activations actually enhanced their event experience rather than distracting from it. Nearly 29 per cent also said the interaction improved their perception of the brand.
Brands are also changing the way they approach events. Instead of simply putting logos on stages or banners, companies are building experiences into the fabric of the event itself.
Financial services brands, for example, are offering early ticket access, exclusive lounges and curated event experiences for cardholders. Fashion and beauty companies are using festivals to showcase products through pop ups, interactive installations and social media friendly spaces that encourage visitors to share their experiences online.
The scope of experiential marketing now stretches far beyond live entertainment. Retailers are designing experiential stores where customers can explore products in lifelike environments. Entertainment platforms are extending popular intellectual properties into immersive exhibitions and fan events. Technology is also playing a growing role through augmented reality and virtual try on tools that blend digital discovery with physical interaction.
Cultural festivals remain one of the most powerful platforms for such engagement in India. Celebrations such as Navratri and Holi bring together large communities, emotional participation and heightened consumer spending. For brands, these moments offer an opportunity to become part of the celebration rather than simply advertise around it.
Despite the momentum, the report notes that some companies still hesitate to adopt experiential marketing at scale. Budget constraints, limited expertise and uncertainty around measuring return on investment remain common concerns.
However, the growing body of data around consumer engagement and brand impact is gradually addressing these challenges. More marketers are expected to allocate a larger share of their budgets to experiential formats over the coming years.
Taken together, the findings point to a clear trend. As consumers seek meaning, memories and moments worth sharing, live experiences are emerging as one of the most powerful ways for brands to stay relevant in a crowded media landscape.
