Global investment firm KKR has agreed to acquire a minority stake in BookMyShow, one of India’s largest entertainment platforms, in a transaction aimed at supporting the company’s next phase of growth. The investment will help BookMyShow expand its live entertainment business and strengthen its broader offering across ticketing, events, movies, and digital entertainment. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
BookMyShow Expands Beyond Ticketing
BookMyShow was launched in 2007 by Bigtree Entertainment, which was founded in 1999, and has since evolved from an online movie-ticketing platform into a diversified entertainment company. The business now operates across cinemas, live events, sports, theatrical productions, and digital video, while maintaining a significant consumer presence in more than 700 towns and cities across India. Its international footprint also extends to markets including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka.
Live Entertainment Becomes a Core Growth Engine
A central part of BookMyShow’s expansion has been BookMyShow Live, its division focused on live entertainment and experiential events. The unit manages activities ranging from talent and intellectual property acquisition to event production, promotion, partnerships, and audience development, giving the company a broader role across the live-event value chain. BookMyShow has used this platform to bring major international acts and productions to Indian audiences, including Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, U2, Travis Scott, Linkin Park, Cirque du Soleil, and Lollapalooza India.
KKR Backs India’s Entertainment Market
KKR said the investment reflects its confidence in the long-term growth of India’s entertainment sector, supported by a young population, rising discretionary spending, and stronger demand for premium out-of-home experiences. Akshay Tanna, Partner and Head of India Private Equity at KKR, said BookMyShow has played a pioneering role in developing high-quality entertainment experiences and could contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a larger global entertainment destination. KKR plans to combine its local market knowledge, global investment experience, and international network to support BookMyShow as it scales.
Existing Investors Remain in Place
BookMyShow Founder and CEO Ashish Hemrajani said KKR’s consumer-sector expertise and global perspective would be valuable as the company enters its next stage of development. He added that the investment comes as BookMyShow has significantly expanded its live entertainment presence and as India’s entertainment economy continues to grow. Existing investors including Network18, Accel, Elevation Capital, Stripes Group, and TPG will continue to support the company.
KKR Extends Its India and Media Portfolio
The BookMyShow transaction adds to KKR’s broader portfolio of private equity investments in India across healthcare, education, consumer products, software, and food technology. The firm has previously invested in companies including Medicover India, Lighthouse Learning, Vini Cosmetics, Healthcare Global Enterprises, Darwinbox, and Rebel Foods. Globally, KKR’s media and entertainment investments include Internet Brands, ByteDance, Chord Music Partners, Epic Games, PlayOnSports, OverDrive, Superstruct, and Simon & Schuster.
Transaction Details
Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial adviser to BookMyShow, while Trilegal served as legal adviser to the company on the transaction. The parties did not disclose the size of KKR’s investment or the valuation implied by the deal, leaving the financial structure of the transaction private. Completion will depend on receipt of the required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
KKR’s investment gives BookMyShow additional institutional backing as it seeks to deepen its position in India’s rapidly developing live entertainment market. The deal also highlights growing investor interest in platforms that combine technology, consumer distribution, and physical entertainment experiences at scale. If completed, the transaction could strengthen BookMyShow’s ability to bring larger global productions to India while continuing to build its full-stack entertainment ecosystem.