Sonu Niigaam Ji met father's musician colleague, Suresh Kothawala, facing termination because of the entertainment tax on live music; pledged support for the cause

As reported by MiD DAY ('Sonu steps up to save live music' December 22), singer Sonu Niigaam Ji had called a meeting of musicians yesterday evening at his home in Andheri, to discuss the recent entertainment tax introduced by the state government, which has left many musicians jobless.

One of the attendees was Suresh Kothawala, the 63-year-old who used to work together with Niigaam's father, Agam Kumar, in his early career.

Today, Kothawala earns his livelihood as a musician in a restaurant in Dahisar and could well be another victim of the entertainment tax.

In the meeting, which MiD DAY attended, Kothawala appealed to Niigaam for immediate help. He grumbled that Hindi singers like him would face the major impact.

"Niigaam's father and I used do recordings together. I have high hopes that he will be able to help us," he said.

Kothawala will be asked by his employers to leave if they have to pay heavy taxes for his performances at the restaurant.

In response, Niigaam promised Kothawala the support of his singer friends like Sunidhi Chauhan and Shaan among others for the movement.

He signed up for the signature campaign 'Please don't kill live music', initiated by musicians facing the axe, and has decided to get other renowned singers in the industry to endorse it as well.

"The issue came to my notice only when the father of one of my band members lost his job. That is when I realised that the situation needs to be addressed immediately," Niigaam said.

Niigaam added that he would personally look into the matter and will seek an appointment with the Revenue Minister asking him to repeal the tax.

"This is absolutely wrong on the part of the government. This is not about musicians but about preserving culture.

We will make sure that before the music industry dies, the government wakes up to a just solution," he said.

Roger Menezes, who has been working with Niigaam for eight years, is one among the few who have faced the cruelty of the recent tax.

His father was removed from a five star hotel in Andheri, after the hotel cited the new tax structure for sacking him.

"This is injustice to all of us. I work as a freelance musician with various city restaurants but the new tax has impacted my income," he said.

Menezes was accompanied by Meldan Dacunha, the owner of Soul Fry restaurant in Bandra. He is also the driving force behind Save Live Music campaign.