At first glance, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Roger Waters don't have much in common. But check the newly released list of performers and celebrities at the upcoming India Live Earth concert, scheduled to rock Andheri, Mumbai on December 7, and you'll find both names side by side.
This is because quite a few stars from around the globe have committed their participation in the event, in hopes of raising awareness, both in India and worldwide, about the potential devastating effects of globally warming.
Headliners include Grammy-winners Bon Jovi and Live Earth India spokesperson and cine-superstar, Amitabh Bachchan. Others are Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Bipasha Basu, Shiamak Davar, Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Hard Kaur, Vishal-Shekhar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Shaan and Anoushka Shankar. Whew!
Given the diverse make-up of the participants, the concert should feature a degree of Indian/Western collaboration never before seen on stage.
Also, two of the most influential proponents of quick, decisive action against global warming will give messages and appearances: former US Vice President Al Gore, IPCC Chairman and Director General TERI India, Dr Rajendra K Pachauri. TERI's Light a Billion Lives campaign and Climate Project India are Live Earth India's primary beneficiaries and will receive net proceeds from the concerts. Light a Billion Lives (LaBL) campaign aims to provide 200 million solar lanterns to rural households currently without electricity. Live Earth India also will support Climate Project India's educational programmes and advocacy for renewable energy solutions in India.
Music fans across India can purchase tickets for the concert here. Tickets are priced at Rs 625, Rs 1,250 and Rs 2,500.
Photograph: Deshakalyan Chowdhury (Getty Images)
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