The increase in the threshold is good as small artistes or organisers can benefit from it. This move is encouraging but there is still a long way to go.” Sitarist Sameep Kulkarni, feels, “Classical arts are not profit making and the government should promote these instead of applying taxes.
Our production expenses are much higher than the collection. Dhanashree Heblikar, actor and member of Swatantra Theatre, says, “Theatre is not like movie shows where multiple shows are screened at a single time.
For plays, this spells brighter times.” While the GST council’s decision has given some respite, performing artistes feel that a lot more needs to be done to save folk arts. Kushal Khot, founder of Natyasattak Mahotsav, a theatre event, calls this move encouraging and says, “It will help in bringing back the audience we had lost due to the earlier tax structure. It is important to make theatre affordable for the college going audience and I think this move will help in doing that,” he says. When the GST was implemented on tickets for Rs 250, we lost out on a lot of young viewers. We can do only two shows in a week and if we add GST on the tickets, then the financial planning goes for a toss.
For Marathi plays, it is difficult to get people to the theatres. Though, it is a partial relief for the music community, it will certainly benefit us in the longer run.” Considering the Marathi theatre too has its share of problems when it comes to ensuring a good turnout, actor Amey Wagh feels that the increase in the tax exemption limit might help on that front. Nonetheless, this is a welcome step from the government. The increase in the threshold limit will at least make some tickets prices affordable for music lovers and ensure good response.” Echoing similar sentiments, tabla player Jaywant Utpat adds, “I still believe efforts should be made to make Indian classical music (both Hindustani and Carnatic) exempt from GST. Surendra Mohite, a classical concert organiser, says, “Classical musical events had gone down by almost 50 per cent.
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