Now, DJs protest tax on live music

Having made countless people dance to their tunes at clubs across the city, disc jockeys (DJs) are now scratching a new track.

Now, DJs protest tax on live music

Having made countless people dance to their tunes at clubs across the city, disc jockeys (DJs) are now scratching a new track.

And it won't be too pleasant to the ears of the state revenue department, as they have decided to approach the court to protest the revision in the entertainment tax, which has left many musicians jobless.

DJs claim the entertainment tax is unjust and have decided to move court

The Disc Jockey Foundation of India (DJFI) which has thousands of disc jockeys under its umbrella are upset at the inaction on the entertainment tax and have decided to approach the court today seeking a stay order on the same.

The association claims it is unjust to club DJ acts under the entertainment tax and formed the DJFI to fight the same cause.
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"Restaurants who are playing recorded music too are served notices by the collector to pay the entertainment tax.
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This is absolutely wrong.u00a0 Why do they have to remove the entertainment factor from the city," said Akshay Bardapurkar, chairman, DJFI.

Killing music

Bardapukar added that the Maharashtra government is killing all entertainment in the city.

"Kolkata, which was known for its nightlife during the 70s, had faced a similar setback after the government imposed a 30 per cent entertainment tax on live music, forcing most restaurants to fall silent. We will not let this happen in Mumbai," he affirmed.

Savio D'Sa, event manager who works with Celstone events and entertainment company echoed Bardapukar's sentiments.

"Ever since the tax was imposed, clients have stopped asking for music. The government should understand that live music not only provides entertainment to patrons but also provides employment to many across the city."

While many may consider the step taken by DJFI to move court hasty, the DJs feel it is time as they have waited long enough for revenue minister Balsaheb Thorat to resolve the issue ('Making music at Mantralaya', January 13).

Bardapukar added, "When restaurant and hotel owners are not making commercial use of music then why does the government have to exploit the owners for the same? They are killing the city, which is known as the entertainment hub of India."

Meanwhile, Meldan D'cunha, who spearheaded the 'Please don't kill live music' cause has decided to wait for some more time before he approaches court.

He said, "We, live musicians have as of now decided to go slow on this as we're hoping that some positive decision will be taken on this during the Vidhan Sabha session. We have opted to wait and watch."