Why Delhi isn't rocking just yet?

Delhi may have tried singing with Sting in February, but for some it was "just not right", writes Aparajita Anil.

A month back, when Bangalore and Mumbai soaked itself to the beats of legendary musician Mark Knopfler, Sting's sting kept Delhi on a high.

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And once again, when Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata are gearing up to rock to the tunes of guitarist Joe Satriani, the Capital still seems too content with its Sting achievement.

When some say the hangover is too strong to overcome, others feel Delhi is just not ready for the rock 'n' role culture.

Delhi may have tried singing along with the 53-year-old rocker - Sting - on his musical journey, but for some it was "just not right!"

"Where Delhi loses out to the other cities such as Bangalore and Mumbai, is the entertainment tax structure that eats into revenues through ticket sales," said Rajesh Suneja, director of Absolute Event Productions - an event management firm.

Rajesh feels unlike the people of Bangalore and Mumbai, Delhiites have become accustomed to free things. "You can expect half the tickets going out as (free) passes for individuals and organisations 'assisting' in the smooth organisation of the concert - VVIPs, friends and relatives of VVIPs..."

But Euphoria's Palash Sen has a different take on this. "This happens everywhere. It has nothing to do with Delhi. For that matter I feel the only city which is really willing to pay money for music is Kolkata."

The singer had apprehensions about Pitampura's Dilli Haat, as the venue for the Sting concert, but nothing deterred him to rock 'n' roll throughout the night. And not to mention, he enjoyed every bit of it!

India may not figure on Asia's rock music circuit but the growing economy and vibrant market has made a big difference, especially for Bangalore and Mumbai.

The rock-starved audiences here are ready to cheer performers even if they are past their prime.

And that's why Saurabh Anand, an assistant manager with Ernst & Young, left no chance when it came to the Sting show.