The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the much-anticipated 5th edition of the Shows of India Conclave—an initiative by EVENTFAQS Media and curated by Fierce Ventures. Taking place at the iconic The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, on May 22–23, 2025, this flagship event is gaining momentum with the unveiling of its latest lineup of powerhouse speakers.
Celebrated for igniting bold conversations, enabling unparalleled networking, and delivering deep insights into the live entertainment landscape, the conclave remains the premier platform for visionary leaders shaping the future of the industry in India and beyond.
Here’s a glimpse at the newest trailblazers joining the speaker roster:
Ali Safdar Zaidi
Ali is a veteran with 25+ years in India’s live entertainment industry. He has produced iconic concerts for global stars like Lady Gaga, Bryan Adams, and Ed Sheeran, and played a pivotal role in festivals like Sunburn and NH7 Weekender. Known for scaling large-format productions, he continues to lead major events across India and the GCC.
Bismil
Bismil has transformed wedding entertainment with Bismil Ki Mehfil, a soulful musical experience fusing Sufi melodies and dynamic stagecraft. His emotional depth and captivating performances have made him a top choice for luxury weddings, turning Mehfil into a cultural phenomenon.
James Drury
James brings over two decades of journalistic expertise in live entertainment. Known for key industry reports like the European Festival Report and Global Arenas Guide, he’s a regular speaker at global conferences and a trusted voice on BBC and France 24, offering deep insights into international touring, venues, and audience trends.
Nazeef Mohammed
Nazeef is the visionary behind iconic concerts like A.R. Rahman Live. Renowned for blending tech and storytelling, he has elevated the live concert experience in India and globally. At BToS, he drives innovation in artist management, content, and production, redefining the future of entertainment.
Rajeev Jain
Rajeev is a stalwart in the experiential and event management space with over 26 years of leadership. Under his guidance, Rashi Entertainment has become synonymous with delivering extraordinary experiences, making him a key figure in shaping India’s live events industry.
Siddhartha Roy
Siddhartha leads one of India’s top digital entertainment companies, overseeing platforms like Hungama Music, Hungama Play, and Hungama Games. Under his leadership, Hungama has expanded to 90+ countries with 95 million active users. Known for pioneering innovations such as Hungama Drive and partnerships with global giants like Google and Amazon Echo, Siddhartha has been a key player in reshaping India’s digital entertainment landscape.
Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse
Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, will be the Guest of Honour at Shows of India 2025. Her presence will inspire and celebrate the spirit of youth, innovation, and excellence, reflecting the core values of the event.
Subir Malik
As the head of one of the country’s most respected live band agencies, Subir has played a key role in shaping India’s rock and live band culture, curating legendary events like the Independence Rock Festival and Parikrama & Friends Mega Concert. Through Parikrama Inc., Subir has represented top-tier talent across genres, creating unforgettable music experiences.
Thomas Ovesen
Thomas is a highly accomplished promoter with over two decades of experience in transforming the Middle East into a hub for world-class live entertainment. Having brought global megastars like Justin Bieber and Elton John to the region, he has also launched iconic festivals such as RedFestDXB and Fiesta De Los Muertos. Now leading ATL Middle East, Thomas is set to revolutionize the live events landscape further, leveraging his extensive international network.
Varun Gulati
Varun has played a key role in launching projects like Marathi Minded with Neel Salekar and managing top talents such as Gukesh Dommaraju, Karishma Mehta, and Abhishek Sharma. Collective Artists Network has become a powerhouse, powering dreams across cinema, music, and sports.
With a dynamic mix of expertise spanning artist management, music IPs, cultural programming, and experiential marketing, this edition promises to be a defining chapter—capturing the industry’s vibrant energy while steering conversations into fresh, forward-looking territory.
This is only the beginning—stay tuned as we unveil more trailblazing names and transformative sessions in the lead-up to the conclave!
