Himesh `Cash`ammiya!

Apna sapna even more money: Himesh Reshammiya

Demand and supply

Touted as a 'Reshammiya first time ever in Mumbai' show, the Aap Kaa Surroor concert will be held at the Renaissance Hotel, Powai on December 31. This will be his first live show in Mumbai after he hit the high notes in the music industry. Besides the New Year's Eve bash, there will also be a special performance for children at the same venue in the afternoon. The show is being managed by Warlock Entertainment Services, and the cost of a ticket is Rs 15,000 for a couple.

Says an onlooker, "Himesh told the organisers that he deserved more than Rs 25 lakh. He then asked for Rs 40 lakh for the performance. If they did not pay him this hiked fee, he said he would return the advance amount. Obviously, the organisers did not want a no-show. They had no choice but to comply and assured him that he would be paid his price."

When asked about his escalating performance fee, Reshammiya says, "I cannot comment on the money. These are not the figures quoted."

Positive side

So was it an even higher price? Says Reshammiya, "It's a sensible deal is all I can say. It is not as if I demanded something more. The deal happened just a few days earlier, so it is still in the negotiation stage. This is the first time I am hosting a New Year's Eve bash. It is a unique concept and there is also a special show for children. I think this is a nice gesture as mostly kids stay at home. Look at the positive side."

The singer informs that Prashant Chaddha (who directed his music video Aap Kaa Surroor with the Warlock team) inked the deal. Incidentally, Chaddha is also responsible for Reshammiya's personal styling. He is also directing Aap Ka Surorr — The Real Luv Story starring Reshammiya.

Simple negotiation

Actress-producer Vandana Sajnani of Moksh Creations, who is doing the ground events of the show, says, "This is Himesh's first big show in Mumbai. It is the same concert that he performed in Wembley in October. The hotel is being transformed into a party zone. You can dance, sing along or just watch him perform. The reason why we zeroed in on Renaissanace is because other party areas like Juhu are packed with traffic. Powai is a nice place to bring in the New Year. Moreover, he will also perform specially for kids."

Sajnani informs that the tickets for Reshammiya's concert were initially Rs 6,000 per person and was hiked to Rs 7,500 per person. Was this because Reshammiya hiked his fees for the concert? Sajnani exclaims, "Don't ask me all this. I don't know!"

As Reshammiya maintains, "There was no hike; it was and still is a simple negotiation."s