DELHI'S TOXIC AIR TAKES A TOLL ON MUSICIANS

Delhi's dense smog has left the city's live music scene struggling. Amid the peak concert season, artistes are dealing with throat issues and feeling compelled to cancel shows

- Samarth Goyal

Every winter, Delhi's live music scene peaks with festivals and gigs, but this year, it is quieter and punctuated with coughing fits.

With the AQI often over 400, the season meant for performances has become a battle to breathe.

Parikrama’s Subir Malik says this Delhi winter is brutal for musicians. “Singers’ throats are their livelihood—if their throats suffer, the whole band can't play,” he says.

SUBIR MALIK, KEYBOARDIST PARIKRAMA

Our guitar player, Abhishek Mittal, he just couldn't take it. Yesterday he left for the hills. He's saying, I can't stay in Delhi any longer. I think everybody is going through a horrific time to keep up with the levels of pollution hurting their throat.