India’s professional audio and lighting industry is entering an exciting phase, fuelled by the rapid growth of concerts, live entertainment, festivals and music-led experiences. At the same time, advances in digital technology are transforming the way audio and lighting products are designed, operated and experienced.
Equipment is becoming lighter, more versatile and easier to use, while delivering increasingly sophisticated performance.With music and live entertainment becoming an important part of India’s cultural and commercial landscape.

The sector is poised for significant growth and new business opportunities. With nearly 35 years of experience in the professional audio and entertainment industry, Manoj Motwani, Founder of Narain Audio and Lighting LLP, has built his career around a longstanding passion for music. What began as a part-time pursuit, working as a DJ and experimenting with speaker design, gradually evolved into a successful business journey. A familiar presence at PALM Expo since its inception, Motwani has witnessed the industry’s transition from traditional products and business practices to today’s increasingly digital and experience-driven ecosystem.
In this conversation, he reflects on the changing audio and lighting landscape, the continuing value of exhibitions, his entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Q: The audio and lighting industry is evolving rapidly, with the growth of concerts and live entertainment. What trends do you see shaping the industry over the next three to five years?

A: The industry is becoming increasingly digital. A lot of products are becoming lighter and easier to use, while at the same time delivering bigger and better sound.
The growth in the number of concerts is also creating significant opportunities. The music market in India is huge. India is a country that celebrates with music. We are born with music, we live our lives with music, and we celebrate important moments with it.
So, I see a very big future for the audio and lighting industry in India.

Q: You have been associated with PALM Expo since its inception and have participated in every edition. How has the exhibition contributed to the growth of your business?

A. I have been associated with PALM Expo from day one and have never missed a single show.

The exhibition is very valuable for networking. It also provides an excellent platform for introducing new products.
Before social media became such a powerful communication tool, exhibitions were one of the primary ways of introducing new products to customers. Even today, they offer something that digital platforms cannot completely replicate.
At an exhibition, a customer can see, touch and experience a product. More importantly, they can interact directly with the designers, engineers and marketing teams behind it. That gives them a much better understanding and feel for the product and helps them decide whether they want to associate with a particular brand.

Q: You began your entrepreneurial journey at a time when entrepreneurship was not as widely discussed or encouraged as it is today. What motivated you to start your own business?

A: When I was in college, I had two great loves, music and accountancy. They were completely different interests. Initially, I thought I would pursue music as a hobby and accountancy as my profession.
But I eventually got sidetracked. I started my career as a part-time DJ and also began designing speakers. I was making good money and, more importantly, I was enjoying what I was doing.
I have now had a career of around 35 years, and I have enjoyed most of it because I was following my passion. It never really felt like work; it was more like fun.
I started out wanting to become an accountant because I loved numbers, but I also loved music. Eventually, my hobby became my business.
It has been a great journey and, above all, great fun.

Q: Entrepreneurship can come with considerable pressure and stress. What habits would you recommend to emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders to remain mentally and physically balanced?

A: A: I would recommend that everyone maintain a good work-life balance. Work hard during your working hours and relax when you are not working. Don’t work all the time.

I have followed this principle throughout my career. I have always worked hard during my working hours, but my leisure time was genuinely my leisure time. I spent it with my family and friends.
Having a good work-life balance allows you to enjoy your life as well as your work.

Q: You have said that maintaining this balance was also one of the reasons you chose entrepreneurship. What did being an entrepreneur mean to you personally?

A: One of the main reasons I became an entrepreneur was that I did not want to work for somebody else and have to report at a particular time.
Entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to build something around my own interests and passions. For me, that made the journey much more enjoyable.