Singers top party-entertainers' list on Gigstart.com

As many as 30% of total queries on the platform were for singers, followed by 15% for DJs and photographers

Singers remained the top choice for party entertainment in India during 2014, followed by DJs and photographers. As per statistics released by Gigstart.com, an online marketplace that connects entertainers with party planners, as many as 30 per cent of the total queries on the platform were for singers, followed by 15 per cent for DJs and photographers. Indians also searched for comic artists, anchors and emcees.

Founded in December 2013, Gigstart.com is backed by the Snapdeal co-founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal. Users can find anchors, stand-up comics, singers, dancers, make-up artists and photographers, amongst others, on the platform.

"It was a fruitful and exciting year for all performers and artists listed on the platform. Interestingly, there was a fine balance in the demand for both popular and emerging entertainers, clearly demonstrating that the trends in parties and events are evolving and organisers are becoming more experimental by the day," Gigstart.com said. "The queries also show the immense opportunity offered to bourgeoning artists as they share the same space and often similar clientele as established and renowned performers."

As per the statistics on Gigstart.com, singer Arijit Singh was the most searched during 2014, followed by comic artist Kannan Gill. Singers Benny Dayal and Kailash Kher were also among the top searched singers.

The website also saw a high interest by party planners in alternative entertainment options like magicians and comic artists. Karan Singh and Shankar Bakshi were amongst the most popular illusion artists on the marketplace in 2014.

Instrumentalists were also among a favourite during the year with three per cent of the queries for artists like Darpan Dua, Hiten Panwar and Jonqui.

Deejay Donna was the top searched in the DJ category, while Nikhil Chinapa was also sought after. Among anchors and emcees, Manish Paul was searched on the portal the most.