Why is urban India crazy for Coldplay? Billionaire credits ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ mindset

The upcoming Coldplay concert in Mumbai has triggered a wave of excitement among fans, with tickets selling out in minutes. However, this frenzy has sparked a larger conversation about the evolving priorities of urban Indians, led by billionaire industrialist Harsh Goenka.

Coldplay is scheduled to perform at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium in January 2025 as part of their ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour. The band’s massive popularity in India was on full display when tickets went live on September 22, causing a surge in demand that led to the crashing of the online booking platform. Prices started at Rs 2,500, but as the concert quickly sold out, resale prices skyrocketed to five times the original value.

In response to the overwhelming demand, Goenka took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the cultural shift in India. “Urban Indians are clearly shifting from ‘roti, kapda, makaan’ to a ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ lifestyle,” Goenka wrote, referencing the popular Bollywood movie that emphasizes living life to the fullest through experiences.

He continued, “Coldplay’s January 2025 shows sold out swiftly, with resale prices hitting 5x the original. Diljit Dosanjh’s tickets, priced at ₹7,000, saw massive sales, as did those for Dua Lipa and Bryan Adams’ concerts. Two Indias are emerging—one enjoying these luxuries, while the other struggles to meet basic needs.”

A Nation Divided by Experiences

Goenka’s post has ignited a broader discussion about the growing divide in India’s urban population. While some can afford high-end experiences like concerts and international vacations, others still struggle with the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. This contrast is becoming more apparent as urban Indians increasingly prioritize entertainment and luxury over traditional essentials.

Social media users weighed in on the debate, with many agreeing with Goenka’s observations. One user remarked, “Coldplay tickets are being resold on the black market at five times the original price. It seems there’s a third India that thrives on making money off desperate consumers. It’s capitalism at its peak.”
Another user commented, “I’d rather be part of the India that focuses on working hard and saving money. I have no interest in spending on Coldplay or an iPhone 16—I’d prefer a quiet morning coffee with a good book.”

The growing trend of indulging in experiences is also seen in other areas. Concerts by artists like Diljit Dosanjh, priced at Rs 7,000, and international performers like Dua Lipa and Bryan Adams have sold out in record time, reflecting a willingness among affluent urban Indians to spend on entertainment.

The ‘FOMO’ Phenomenon

Many users pointed out that the frenzy surrounding these concerts is driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO). “Whether it’s the latest iPhone or Coldplay tickets, people don’t want to miss out. It’s more about flaunting these things on social media than actually enjoying the experience,” one user commented.

Another user suggested that the rise of black-market sales and high resale prices are feeding into this culture. “People are buying these tickets at insane prices just to show off. It’s become more about status than the music.”

A Shifting Cultural Landscape

Goenka’s remarks have highlighted the stark realities of a country where, on one hand, people are spending lavishly on entertainment, while on the other, many are still struggling to make ends meet. As India becomes more globalized, its urban population is embracing a lifestyle focused on luxury and experiences, but this comes at the cost of deepening economic divides.

The billionaire’s post not only captured the excitement of fans eager to attend Coldplay’s concert but also underscored a larger issue facing the nation—a shift in values where experiences take precedence over basic needs. As Goenka aptly put it, “Two Indias are emerging,” with one indulging in extravagances and another continuing to face financial challenges.

This conversation has opened the door to a more critical examination of the socioeconomic divide in the country. As some enjoy luxury experiences, it begs the question: How can India bridge the gap between these two realities?

Who is Harsh Goenka?

Harsh Goenka is the chairman of the RPG Group, with his personal networth pegged at $4 billion. RPG Group operates several key companies, with Ceat, a major tire manufacturer, being one of the most prominent. Harsh’s son, Anant Goenka, initially served as the managing director of Ceat until March 2023, when he stepped down to take on a more strategic role as vice chairman of the RPG Group. Among RPG’s various holdings, its most valuable asset is KEC International, which is into power transmission business.

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