The EDM scene in Hyderabad has witnessed a massive upheaval all thanks to a few recent headlining events like the Sunburn Arena bringing in some of the world’s biggest DJs and electronic music producers to the city. Just this past year, Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, DJ Snake and R3hab landed in Hyderabad with Tiesto marking his second return to the city after making his South Asia (not just India!) gig debut back in 2008. And, surprisingly, in an age in which culture and politics are not getting along, we seem to have a politician, K. T. Rama Rao to thank for all this.
Telangana's Minister for IT and Panchayat Raj K.T. Rama Rao, speaking to the Deccan Chronicle on Sunday, spoke about his government's role in bring Sunburn to the city. “There is a real need for entertainment outlets and the government has very deliberately put itself on the world's entertainment map.
Hosting Sunburn was the result of that plan — to turn Hyderabad into a hub for good music and fun. And when people heard we are hosting Sunburn, they thought we had gone mad. Look at the list of events now, look how some of the biggest names in EDM (Electronic dance music) have been turning up in the city. Also, these events have been conducted without glitch. So, the city's entertainment scene is far better... thriving even.”
The minister also explained there was a need to give Hyderabad an infra boost as far as tourism was concerned. "Some years ago, I noticed there was no place nearby to take the kids. But I have heard many say the city was lacking good events and good tourist spots. Now, hopefully, people don't feel that way any more. And we're on the job."
While this doesn’t necessarily translate to Hyderabad becoming the most happening city in the country, it soon could be, with Sensation, another huge international dance event that will make its debut in the country here. “We’re also bringing Sensation and are planning to make it a regular on the city calendar,” the minister said, adding, “These steps are not just for publicity; it is to show the country and the world that Hyderabad is indeed happening."
