When music meets vision and precision meets passion—you get Rounak Raj, the driving force behind CULT17 Live. Recently named to the IP Concerts & Festivals A-List 2025 launched at the prestigious Shows of India Conclave 2025, Rounak’s journey is not just an ode to musical curation but to the art of building immersive cultural phenomena that echo across cities and countries.
A CULTure Like No Other
At the heart of India’s evolving live music ecosystem, CULT17 stands tall as a premier music and entertainment company, dedicated to bridging the gap between Indian music enthusiasts and globally acclaimed artists. With over a decade-long legacy, Rounak and his team have brought world-class names like Sven Vath, Argy, Ben Klock, Nucleya, Ritviz, Mika Singh, Emiway Bantai, Paradox, Guru Randhawa, Taaruk Raina and Mc Square to India’s most energetic stages, while also nurturing rising stars and building unforgettable festivals.
“For us, it’s never just about music—it’s about a shared emotion, a cultural pulse. Each event is a carefully orchestrated moment where art, audience, and energy collide,” shares Rounak Raj, Founder & Curator, CULT17 Live.
From Goa to Dubai, from underground club nights to sun-soaked boutique festivals, CULT17 has delivered 1000+ shows, 6 exclusive festivals, and countless collaborative experiences with leading brands like TVS Motosoul, Diageo, AB InBev, and United Breweries.
Festivals with Soul: The IPs That Move the Masses
CORE
A boutique festival that celebrates soulful music, art, and culture, CORE curates a global aesthetic within an Indian heartbeat. Now three editions strong, it’s fast becoming a sanctum for music purists and cultural connoisseurs alike.
SAFAR – Dubai Edition
Rooted in Indian classical and folk with an electronic twist, SAFAR elevates indie fusion to a global stage. The festival celebrates East meets West, with performances from experimental artists redefining genre boundaries.
IPs of the Future
MISFIT
A culture-forward IP, Misfit blends celebrity appeal, influencer power, and lifestyle trends into a heady mix of unconventional storytelling. It’s about celebrating the ‘outsiders’—with curated experiences, brand activations, and community-led content.
PRIVEE by CULT17
Redefining the luxury VIP experience, Privee is where opulence meets intimacy. With invitation-only access, curated performances, and high-end collaborations, it’s not an event—it’s a statement.
The Challenges Shaping the Landscape
Despite CULT17’s meteoric rise, Rounak remains grounded about the evolving challenges facing the industry:
- Inflated Artist Costs:
“The rising tendency to overpay artists disrupts sustainability. We need more collaborative pricing and responsible curation to keep the scene viable,” he says. - Complex Permissions:
From regulatory bottlenecks to cultural resistance, executing events continues to be a high-stakes game. Rounak calls for transparent regulations, community dialogue, and shared responsibility to balance creativity and compliance.
The Vision Ahead
Rounak’s vision is deeply rooted in sustainable growth and audience-first experiences. His strategic roadmap for CULT17 includes:
- Nurturing New Talent: Launching programs to support emerging city-based and regional artists.
- Creating Signature Festivals: Launching concept-based properties that build community and brand loyalty.
- Streamlining Operations: Leveraging tech and efficient logistics to deliver seamless audience experiences.
- Marketing Muscle: A strong push on digital buzz, local partnerships, and influencer-led campaigns.
- Cost Management: Transparent negotiations, long-term artist relations, and stakeholder alignment to manage rising costs.
Legacy in the Making
As CULT17 continues to grow into one of India’s most influential music IP engines, Rounak’s inclusion in the A-List 2025 feels not just deserved, but timely.
“We’re not here to follow trends—we’re here to set them. The idea is to create a CULTure, not just events.” – Rounak Raj
With CULT17’s next wave of IPs, a focus on talent development, and a sharpened lens on community and creativity, Rounak is scripting the next chapter of India’s music revolution—one beat at a time.
