There has been a lot of discussion lately about recession fears, H-1B issues, fewer new job opportunities, AI replacing jobs, and the overall economic slowdown in the U.S.
However, the irony lies in the way Telugu associations continue to raise funds and spend generously on bringing top celebrities from India to entertain the diaspora.
It is well known that Academy Award-winning music director M M Keeravani was invited to the U.S. by Telugu associations TTA and ATA for special musical performances.
He has already performed at TTA's event in Charlotte in the mid of July and is scheduled to perform at ATA's convention in Baltimore later this week.
In addition, he has also performed at a few other local events during his visit. Overall, the amount spent by Telugu NRIs on Keeravani during this tour is estimated to be close to Rs 5 Cr.
According to some sources, TTA's total expenditure on Keeravani is around USD 225,000, including his reported remuneration of USD 150,000, along with P-3 visa processing, international airfare, and travel expenses for him and his musical troupe.
A similar remuneration of USD 150,000 is reportedly being paid by ATA as well. However, the additional logistics costs are expected to be lower since his team is already in the U.S.
Overall, Keeravani's remuneration from these two associations alone is said to be around USD 300,000, which is close to Rs 3 Cr.
Sources further claim that, with one additional performance he has given, on some other dias, between the two conventions, his total earnings from this U.S. trip could touch Rs 5 Cr. Remarkably, all of this has reportedly been earned over just three performance days.
During these shows, Keeravani's on-stage presence is relatively limited, with much of the musical performance handled by his troupe of singers and musicians.
Nevertheless, it is his brand value and presence that attract audiences and justify the premium for NRI organizers.
Keeravani remains the only Academy Award-winning musician from Telugu cinema, and the way he is being valued reflects the immense respect the Telugu community has for achievers on the international stage.
At the same time, many people are left astonished by the scale of these payments, especially considering the ongoing concerns about the U.S. economic slowdown and the financial challenges faced by many NRIs.
However, a majority of those who attended his performances felt the song selection was dull, uninspiring, and failed to generate any excitement among the audience.
Many were disappointed that the setlist lacked energy and did not live up to the expectations surrounding an Academy Award-winning musician.
It remains to be seen whether Keeravani will make any changes to his lineup for the ATA show, which is scheduled to take place later this month.
