Rapper Ikka Singh has debuted as a judge on MTV Hustle 4 and he joins Raftaar on the panel. In an exclusive conversation with India Today Digital, he opens up about the rise of music festivals in India and their importance to an artiste.

Sharing that the live show has made singers like Karan Aujla and Diljit Dosanjh stars, Ikka said, “These people have made live shows so grand (They make the live shows look so grand). Look at Diljit, he is already at Coachella. We would have never even imagined this. As homegrown artists, we are proud of them; They inspire us every day. It is surprising to see what kind of passion they have; Their shows are already completely sold out.”

Describing the importance of live shows for singers and musicians, the rapper said, “Money is made from shows only. (The money is from these shows only). Bollywood doesn’t pay; Labels do, but after deducting all the costs, there is hardly any budget left for us. The lump sum amount comes from the events themselves. While recordings are like oral exams, shows are practical tests. Only then do you understand the pulse of the audience and their feelings towards you.”

recently, high ticket ratesEspecially Diljit Dosanjh’s live show has been criticized a lot. When asked about this, the rapper smiled and said, “That guy deserves. he has worked very hard (That guy deserves it; he’s worked really hard). I have also seen them performing in small colleges of Haryana arenasHe has worked hard and deserves it. Also, check out the level of production they offer on these shows. The sound, stage and atmosphere are world class. He is giving his fans the experience of a lifetime. If not him then who will demand this price?”

“Besides, I don’t understand this hypocrisy. People who don’t know Coldplay were buying their concert tickets but are questioning Diljit. Just because he is Indian, desi and his, they don’t want to pay,” Ikka said.

Hustle 4 airs every weekend on MTV.