Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government had held initial discussions on the possibility of inviting global pop star Shakira to perform in Guwahati. He revealed during an interview that the idea had been considered earlier this year, although the plan did not progress at the time.
He said the government had explored the option of bringing the international icon to the city, noting his interest in hosting her in Guwahati. He mentioned Shakira’s hit song Waka Waka from the FIFA World Cup 2010 inauguration and added that there had been an opportunity in February, but the state decided not to move forward then. He observed that it might not be feasible now, yet expressed his desire to bring her to the city.
The Chief Minister said he hoped to bring major global performers not only to Guwahati but also to other Assam cities such as Dibrugarh and Silchar in the future.
Responding to criticism over large-scale concerts, he noted that some people mock him by comparing events in Shillong with those in Guwahati, but argued that hosting international artists would significantly boost tourism, hotels, transport and the wider regional economy. He asserted that Guwahati would emerge as a major hub for the concert economy within the next two to three years.
