Hiren Kotwani (DNA; April 15, 2019)

A few years ago, concerts with Bollywood biggies shimmying meant big bucks for everybody. But that hasn’t been the case in the recent past. The footfalls and revenue generated by starry shows abroad have paled. More often than not, organisers have either lost money or barely managed to recover their investments.

TWO CANADA SHOWS ON THE CARDS FOR DILJIT
Diljit Dosanjh (Punjabi superstar and Bollywood hero of Udta Punjab and Soorma fame), who has a huge fan following in Canada, is expected to do two shows there in June. If things go as scheduled, he will be in Toronto on June 22 and in Vancouver on June 29.

WAIT, THERE IS A TWIST
However, one hears another show organiser had reportedly developed cold feet. A source tells us, “The logistics for a concert with Diljit were proving hard to justify. So, one of the key organisers had opted out. Considering his asking fee and the requirements for his performances, it didn’t seem viable. The organiser allegedly felt he may risk losing Rs 2 crore after deducting the costs and the star’s fee.” Apparently, another show planned with Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Katrina Kaif and Disha Patani is said to be more feasible.

ONE NIGGLING DOUBT
When asked about Diljit’s two gigs, our source said, “He has considerable influence with the Sikh and Punjabi diaspora in Canada. So, he has managed to get others to invest for his shows; each concert is said to cost about Rs 4 crore.”  Our source adds, “Diljit and his organisers are confident of generating profit. Yet, there is also an element of doubt brewing because of another event.”

DEAL-BREAKER COULD BE ANOTHER SHOW
“Another big event company is planning an extravaganza with Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Katrina Kaif and Disha Patani in June-July in Canada,” says our informer, adding, “And in spite of a hi-tech entry for the four actors and some high-octane stunts by Hrithik and Tiger, it is expected to cost about Rs 7 crore to the organisers. Moreover, the audience for this kind of a programme isn’t limited to just Sikhs and Punjabis, but to many more Bollywood lovers settled overseas. That’s what makes this more viable than Diljit’s shows.”

DILJIT’S SHOW IS NOT YET CANNED
When probed further about the Punjabi actor’s shows, our source said, “Word gets around fast and the organisers are aware that another multi-star programme is being planned. They also know the cost factor. So, it remains to be seen whether they will salvage their solo-Diljit events with a down-sized budget or whether they will can it altogether because the other extravaganza with Hrithik, Tiger, Katrina and Disha is bound to attract more audiences.”