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Long-form insights, release notes, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the bazaar.

PW Seed Blog

Seed blog for automated tests

Apr 4, 2026147 reads

PW Seed Blog

Seed blog for automated tests

Apr 4, 2026284 reads
EDM, Indie, and Global Pop: Exploring India’s Most Popular Live Music Ecosystem.

EDM, Indie, and Global Pop: Exploring India’s Most Popular Live Music Ecosystem.

India’s live music scene is more dynamic than ever. From high-energy EDM festivals to intimate indie gigs, and sold-out global pop spectacles, music fans across the country have endless options. But beyond the artists and the tracks, one thing defines each event: the audience it attracts. Every genre has its own vibe, its own crowd, and its own unique ticketing patterns. Understanding these differences can make your live music experience — or ticket resale strategy — far more rewarding.EDM: Energy, Festivals, and Collective Experiences Step into a massive EDM festival in India, like Sunburn or Vh1 Supersonic, and the first thing you’ll notice is the energy. Thousands of young, vibrant fans — mostly in their 20s and early 30s — move in sync with the pounding beats. For this crowd, music is just the starting point. The lights, visuals, and immersive festival environment are equally important. These are fans who come in groups, often traveling across cities, sharing moments on social media, and treating the festival as a social experience as much as a musical one. When it comes to tickets, this audience doesn’t wait. Early-bird passes and VIP packages sell out in weeks, sometimes even days. Smaller club nights or city-level EDM gigs might allow for last-minute attendance, but the big festivals reward those who plan ahead. For ticket resellers, understanding this behavior is key — the demand is predictable, intense, and often peaks as festival dates approach. What’s also interesting is the lifestyle of EDM fans. They are generally urban, tech-savvy, and willing to invest in experiences that feel exclusive or premium. Whether it’s a backstage pass, a VIP lounge, or front-row access, this audience wants to feel immersed and part of the show. For ticket platforms, offering verified resale options for sold-out VIP tickets becomes a significant opportunity. Indie Music: The Intimate, Curious Crowd Now, let’s shift the lens to indie music, which attracts a completely different kind of fan. Indie audiences are usually in their 20s and early 30s, culturally curious, and constantly exploring new sounds. They’re not chasing the mainstream hype; they are drawn to authenticity and connection. An indie concert is often intimate — small cafés, boutique venues, or artsy festivals like NH7 Weekender provide a setting where fans can interact with the artists and immerse themselves in the performance. Ticket patterns in the indie scene reflect this intimacy. While popular headliners sell out early, many smaller gigs allow for last-minute attendance, catering to spontaneous fans or those who discover a new band at the last moment. Resale activity exists, but it’s usually niche, with enthusiasts seeking that specific experience rather than general crowd appeal. Indie fans often value quality over quantity. A smaller crowd, a unique venue, and the opportunity to witness something raw and authentic can be more memorable than a packed stadium. They also tend to be more engaged, sharing experiences through word-of-mouth and social media, which fuels the community around each artist. This makes indie music both a passionate scene for fans and a targeted opportunity for ticket resellers. Global Pop: The Spectacle and the Superstar Seekers Finally, there’s global pop — the kind of concerts that create sold-out stadiums overnight. These fans are generally older, professionals in their late 20s to 40s, attending with friends or family, often willing to pay a premium for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For them, it’s not just about the music; it’s about the spectacle, the VIP experience, and being part of a globally celebrated event. When an international superstar lands in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru, tickets vanish almost immediately. Front-row seats and premium packages are the first to go, followed by general admission. This audience is often driven by social media hype and FOMO, so timing is crucial. Resale platforms thrive in this space, providing last-minute access to fans who simply cannot miss the show. Global pop fans also have very defined expectations. They want comfort, exclusivity, and premium access. Unlike EDM crowds, they are less concerned about group experiences or high-energy dancing and more focused on the overall spectacle — the production, the visuals, and the chance to see their favorite stars live. For ticket resellers, this is a segment where high-value tickets move fast, and verified platforms are essential for safe, hassle-free purchases. Understanding the Audience Across Genres What’s fascinating is how distinct each audience is, and how these differences shape live music in India. EDM fans seek energy and collective experiences, often purchasing tickets early and traveling in groups. Indie audiences value authenticity, intimate venues, and flexible ticketing. Global pop fans crave spectacle, premium experiences, and are willing to pay for last-minute access if it means not missing the show. For ticket buyers, understanding these patterns means you can choose events that match your personality and preferences. For ticket resellers, it highlights where demand will peak, which shows will sell out, and which tickets hold high resale value. India’s Live Music Ecosystem India’s live music scene isn’t just growing — it’s evolving into a diverse, audience-driven ecosystem. Cities like Mumbai lead the charge, hosting global tours, festival staples, and niche indie experiences alike. Audiences are increasingly segmented, with each genre attracting fans with unique lifestyles, spending habits, and expectations. Whether you’re dancing to EDM under strobe lights, discovering your next favorite indie artist in an intimate venue, or experiencing a global pop spectacle, one thing is clear: the audience defines the energy and experience. And knowing your audience — who they are, what they value, and how they buy tickets — can transform the way you attend, sell, or resell tickets in India’s vibrant live music market.

Jan 20, 2026421 reads
The MTV blueprint: One channel sculpted India’s modern Music Culture.

The MTV blueprint: One channel sculpted India’s modern Music Culture.

Do you remember the waiting? If you grew up in India during the late 90s or early 2000s, you remember. You remember rushing home from school, throwing your bag down, and tuning in. You remember enduring three songs you hated just to catch that one glimpse of the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, or later, Linkin Park. Before YouTube made every song instantly accessible, before Spotify algorithms told us what we liked, there was a monolithic gatekeeper of cool: MTV. The recent news of Paramount Global shutting down MTV News—and practically erasing its vast online archive—felt like the final nail in the coffin of a defining cultural era. While the channel itself had long since pivoted to reality TV (a different conversation entirely), the brand was once the undisputed heartbeat of global youth culture. For those of us in the events and entertainment industry here in India, this symbolic end forces a moment of reflection. How did a TV channel hold so much power? And more importantly, in a fragmented digital world, how do we replicate the manic energy and massive fanbases it once created? The "Video Killed the Radio Star" Years in India When MTV arrived in India, it wasn't just television; it was a window to the world. It was a status symbol. MTV didn't just play videos; it curated personalities. In India, VJs became as big as the stars they interviewed. Think of the irreverent charm of Cyrus Broacha, the musical encyclopaedia that was Nikhil Chinapa, or the style icons like Malaika Arora. They were the cool older siblings pointing us toward what mattered. In those days, if a song was in heavy rotation on MTV, it wasn't just popular—it was inescapable cultural currency. The channel had the singular power to manufacture "hype." They didn't just market artists; they built mythologies around them. A prime-time slot for a music video premiere was an event. It created a shared, simultaneous experience for millions of teenagers across the country. That singular focus is something we rarely see today. The Fragmentation of Fandom The demise of the MTV model was, inevitability, driven by the internet. Why wait for a VJ to play your song when you can search for it on YouTube? But in gaining convenience, we lost the "monoculture." Today, artist fanbases are incredibly passionate, but they are also deeply fragmented. There is no single "town square" where everyone gathers to watch the same thing at the same time. Then: MTV aimed a giant spotlight at one artist, and the whole world looked. Now: There are a million smaller flashlights aimed in different directions across TikTok, Instagram Reels, Spotify playlists, and Discord servers. For businesses involved in marketing artists or brands, this means the job has gotten exponentially harder. You can no longer buy one expensive TV spot and guarantee reaching the youth demographic. You have to navigate dozens of niches, understand varying platform algorithms, and speak different "fan languages." The Ripple Effect on Live Events Perhaps the biggest impact of the post-MTV era is felt in the live events sector, an industry that is currently booming in India. In its heyday, MTV was the ultimate hype machine for live tours. They broadcasted clips of screaming fans in stadiums, creating a serious case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) long before the acronym existed. Watching MTV Unplugged or TRL made you desperate to be in that room. Without that centralized hype machine, selling out large venues requires a different strategy. Today’s live event promotion relies heavily on: The Artist’s Direct Connection: Artists must now be their own media channels. Their Instagram Stories are the new VJ segments. The parasocial relationship they build online is what converts a streamer into a ticket buyer. Micro-Communities: Promoters aren't just targeting "music fans." They are targeting specific subreddits, aesthetic communities on TikTok, and hyper-local fan pages in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bengaluru. The "Viral Moment": We have traded the curated music video premiere for the hope that a 30-second clip of a live performance goes viral on Reels, driving last-minute ticket sales. Moving Forward without the Gatekeepers The nostalgia for the golden age of MTV is real. We miss the simplicity of it, the shared cultural moments, and yes, even the waiting. But the democratization of music is ultimately a good thing. More Indian artists than ever before have a global stage without needing the blessing of a television executive in New York or Mumbai. For those of us in the business of culture, events, and fan connection, the lesson is clear: The era of the passive audience is over. We can no longer rely on a single broadcast to build a fanbase. We have to build communities, foster direct engagement, and utilize data to find fans wherever they are hiding in the digital landscape. MTV may have left the building, but the music—and the business surrounding it—is louder and more diverse than ever.

Jan 20, 2026558 reads
The Roaring 30s: India set to be among Top 5 Global Entertainment Hubs by 2030.

The Roaring 30s: India set to be among Top 5 Global Entertainment Hubs by 2030.

If you’ve tried booking concert tickets recently, you’ve likely felt the shift. It’s not just you—the queues are longer, the artists are bigger, and the energy is different. But this isn’t just a passing trend. According to a recent white paper commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, India is on track to become one of the top 5 global entertainment destinations by 2030. We are no longer just "consuming" global culture; we are becoming the stage for it. From the explosive growth of the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to the rise of massive venue infrastructure, the next five years will redefine how we experience entertainment. Here is why India is poised for this massive leap—and what it means for the fans. 1. The Concert Economy is Exploding The days of skipping India on world tours are over. With international giants like Coldplay and Dua Lipa selling out stadiums in minutes, the "Live Events" sector is officially the superstar of the Indian economy. The Growth: The organized live events market was valued at roughly ₹20,800+ crore in 2024 and is projected to nearly double by 2030. The Driver: It’s not just Mumbai and Delhi anymore. Tier-2 cities like Jaipur, Shillong, and Visakhapatnam are seeing footfall growth of over 400% for live events. The hunger for live experiences is nationwide. 2. "Event Tourism" is the New Travel A fascinating trend emerging is the rise of the "gig-tripper." Fans are no longer waiting for artists to come to their city; they are traveling for the experience. The Stat: Nearly 500,000 attendees traveled specifically for live music events in India last year alone. This has created a robust music-tourism economy, where the value of a ticket extends beyond just the show—it drives hospitality, travel, and local spending. A concert ticket is now a gateway to a broader travel experience. 3. Infrastructure Meets Ambition To be a global hub, you need global stages. India is answering that call with rapid infrastructure upgrades. Venues like the Jio World Convention Centre and Bharat Mandapam are just the beginning. The government’s new Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) is a single-window facilitation initiative designed to streamline permissions and ease the "business of fun." The goal? To position India as a seamless host for the world’s biggest acts. 4. The Digital & Gaming Backbone While live events take the spotlight, the digital backbone is stronger than ever. OTT & Gaming: The Indian media and entertainment sector is projected to cross $100 billion by 2030, driven heavily by digital innovation and a gaming sector expected to hit nearly $4 billion by 2029. The "AND" Consumer: The Indian consumer is unique—we don't swap one for the other. We watch the match live and stream the highlights. We attend the concert and play the game. This dual-consumption habit is fueling growth at twice the global rate. The Bottom Line We are witnessing the transformation of Indian entertainment from a "leisure activity" into a massive asset class. For the fans, this means more shows, better venues, and world-class experiences. For the industry, it means the era of "Trusted Transfer" is more critical than ever. As demand skyrockets and the market matures, the value of access—and the security of that access—will become the defining currency of the next decade. India isn't just arriving on the global stage. By 2030, we will be the stage.

Jan 16, 2026695 reads
The Endless Encore: India’s Journey from Silent Films to Stadiums.

The Endless Encore: India’s Journey from Silent Films to Stadiums.

Entertainment in India is not just a pastime; it is a vibrant, chaotic, and deeply essential fabric of our daily lives. It is the collective gasp in a darkened cinema hall, the shared rhythm of a drum at a street festival, and the nostalgic crackle of an old transistor radio. Today, we scroll through endless streaming options and book tickets for international music festivals with a tap on a screen. But to understand the sheer scale of India’s modern entertainment landscape, we must look back at the path that brought us here. India believes in the power of shared experiences. Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through time, tracing the evolution of entertainment from its humble, grassroots beginnings to the global spectacles of today. Act I: The Roots – Where Stories Came Alive Long before electricity lit up screens, entertainment in India was organic, community-driven, and performed live under open skies. India’s entertainment history is rooted in its rich tradition of folk theatre. Every region had its own flavor—the vibrant Nautanki of North India, the divine storytelling of Ramlila, the satirical Tamasha of Maharashtra, and the dramatic Jatra of Bengal. These weren't just shows; they were social events. They blended mythology, social commentary, music, and dance. The "stage" was often a village square, the lighting provided by oil lamps, and the special effects were the sheer talent of the performers. This era established the fundamental truth of Indian entertainment: we love stories told with music, color, and heightened drama. Act II: The "Talkies" Revolution – When Pictures Began to Sing If you ask an elder about the biggest shift they witnessed in their youth, many will point to 1931. This was the year Ardeshir Irani released Alam Ara, India’s first sound film. Overnight, the "silent era" ended. The pictures could talk, but more importantly for India, they could sing. The arrival of the "Talkies" changed everything. Cinema halls became temples of modern mythology. Unlike Western cinema, where songs were often incidental, Indian cinema wove music into the very narrative. The "playback singer" became a superstar, and film music became the pop music of the nation. For decades, the Friday film release was the ultimate form of escapism for millions, uniting a diverse country under the banner of Bollywood, Tollywood, and regional cinema. Act III: The Intimate Connection – The Golden Age of Radio While cinema was a public spectacle, radio was a personal companion. In the decades following independence, the radio became the unifying voice of the nation. All India Radio (Akashvani) brought news, classical music, and agricultural updates into the living room. But the real magic happened on stations like Vividh Bharati. Who can forget the iconic voices that counted down the week's top hits? The radio was the soundtrack to the Indian morning; it was the connection to the outside world during long summer afternoons, and the only way to follow a gripping cricket test match before the era of live TV. Radio taught India how to listen together. Act IV: The Modern Explosion – The Return to Live Experiences The late 90s and early 2000s saw the television boom, bringing entertainment into our homes 24/7. But in the last decade, a fascinating shift has occurred. As our lives became increasingly digital, our craving for real, tangible, "you-had-to-be-there" moments grew stronger. We have entered the golden era of the Live Event. The village square performance has morphed into multi-day music festivals. The traveling theatre troupe has been replaced by world-class stand-up comedy tours filling arenas. Today’s Indian audience isn't just passively watching; they are participating. They are willing to travel, spend, and queue up to experience their favorite artists in the flesh. The infrastructure has shifted from dusty community halls to state-of-the-art stadiums and acoustically designed auditoriums. It's no longer just about the performance; it’s about the experience economy—the lighting, the sound, the crowd energy, and the collective memory created in that moment. The Show Must Go On- From the rustic charm of a Nautanki performance to the high-decibel energy of an EDM concert, the medium of delivery has changed drastically. Yet, the core human desire remains untouched. We still seek connection. We still want stories that move us, rhythms that make us move, and experiences that make us feel alive together. The history of Indian entertainment is a testament to our adaptability and our unyielding love for a grand spectacle. As we look to the future—with augmented reality and immersive experiences on the horizon—one thing is certain: India will always find new and spectacular ways to be entertained. And we’ll be right here, front row center, ready for the next act.

Jan 16, 2026832 reads
Spotlight vs. Soundcheck: How Social Media has made Indian Concerts a Social Game

Spotlight vs. Soundcheck: How Social Media has made Indian Concerts a Social Game

The stage lights are up, the bass drops, but is the crowd looking at the artist or their phone screens? In India's booming concert economy, the answer is increasingly the latter. Live music events have rapidly evolved from being a purely artistic experience into a high-stakes social and cultural statement, largely driven by the relentless lens of social media. This shift has subtly moved the focus from the artist's performance to the attendee's social relevance and their ability to capture and share the "moment." The New Currency: 'Concert Clout' In the era of Instagram Reels and viral Twitter threads, attending a major concert, whether a global headliner like Coldplay or a national icon like Diljit Dosanjh, is less about hearing the music and more about broadcasting the experience. • FOMO and Validation: Social media amplifies the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). The concert ticket isn't just an entry pass; it's a badge of status, proving you were part of the in-crowd. The experience is often framed for the audience not present—a quick story upload, a perfect picture of the stage, or a trendy reel demonstrating your presence. • The "Vibe" Over the Vocals: The shared experience—the massive crowd, the fireworks, the light show—often overshadows the actual musical delivery. This communal energy, or 'vibe', becomes the main selling point, which is easily captured and disseminated online, making the event’s aesthetic and atmosphere the primary content, rather than the intricate details of the live music. • The Rise of Concert Tourism: The frenzy is so immense that fans are now willing to travel across states, buy tickets at exorbitant prices (often via black markets), and plan months ahead—not just for the artist, but for the event's sheer social magnitude. The spectacle has become a destination in itself. Brand Integrations: The Commercialisation of the Experience The massive social media reach and cultural cache of these events haven't gone unnoticed by corporations. Concerts have become powerful, live advertising platforms. • From Music to Marketing: Brands now strategically integrate into the concert experience to achieve virality and earned media value. A celebrity or artist spontaneously mentioning a product on stage, or a highly visible brand activation, isn't just an ad; it's designed to become a shared moment, a screenshot, or a meme. The concert is transformed into a multi-layered experience blending music, content, and commerce, where the artist becomes part of a broader marketing narrative. • Focus on Amplification: Event promoters and brands now measure success not just by ticket sales, but by social media reach (how many impressions the event generates online) and resonance (how much cultural buzz it creates). This metric-driven approach naturally prioritizes the shareable elements over the auditory ones. A Double-Edged Symphony While this social media-fueled boom has propelled India onto the global concert map, driving immense growth in the live entertainment economy and making artists more accessible, it also poses a challenge to the integrity of the live music experience. The growing emphasis on the social spectacle—often leading to issues like phone thefts, mismanagement, and black marketing—suggests that for many, the concert is a backdrop for personal content creation and social affirmation. The true 'fan' experience of deep immersion in the music risks being replaced by the pressure to prove one's attendance and 'clout' to the online world. Ultimately, Indian concerts are a celebration of community, culture, and economic dynamism, but we must ask: Are we attending for the sound, or for the spotlight?

Jan 2, 2026969 reads
The Messi Effect: Why Live Events Still Rule Our Hearts

The Messi Effect: Why Live Events Still Rule Our Hearts

If you’ve been anywhere near social media recently, you’ve seen the blue and white stripes taking over India. From the unveiling of a massive 70-foot statue in Kolkata to the star-studded Padel Cup in Mumbai and the grand finale in New Delhi, Lionel Messi’s "GOAT India Tour 2025" (Dec 13–15) proved one thing: the magic of a live event is irreplaceable. Even for those who weren't at the Salt Lake Stadium or the Wankhede, there is a universal lesson in this visit about why we crave live experiences. Whether it’s a global icon or a local performance, the pulse of a crowd is a feeling you just can't replicate through a screen. 1. The Power of "I Was There" In a world of 4K streaming and instant highlights, why do people still flock to stadiums? Because you can’t download an atmosphere. Whether it’s Messi walking onto the pitch or a local band playing a rooftop gig, that collective roar of the crowd is a "had to be there" moment. A ticket is essentially a passport to a memory. It’s not just about the seat number; it’s about being part of a shared history. When the lights go down or the whistle blows, you aren't just a spectator—you are part of the event itself. 2. A Masterclass in Fan Passion The tour saw everything from emotional meet-and-greets to the electric (and sometimes chaotic) scenes in Kolkata that made global headlines. While the logistics of such massive events can be a rollercoaster, the underlying story remains the sheer dedication of the fans. People waited for hours in the Delhi winter chill and the Mumbai humidity just for a five-second glimpse of their hero. This level of passion is the heartbeat of any live gathering. It reminds us that whether it's sports, music, or theater, the "fan experience" is what makes an event legendary. 3. When Different Worlds Collide One of the most interesting aspects of the visit was seeing different worlds meet. We saw Messi sharing the stage with legends like Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar, and even a unique charity fashion show in Mumbai. This is the beauty of live events—they act as cultural intersections. They bring together people from different walks of life, uniting them under one roof for a single, shared purpose. It’s a rare moment of collective focus in a very distracted world. Why Live Experiences Matter Seeing the joy on the faces of kids at the football clinics across Hyderabad and Delhi reminds us why these moments are so vital. Live events provide- Connection: Bringing people together in a way digital spaces cannot. Exclusivity: That feeling of having a front-row seat to something special. Inspiration: Seeing greatness in person often sparks a lifelong passion. Witness Your Own Legendary Moment You don’t need a world-record transfer fee or a 70-foot statue to have a legendary night out. From the next big music festival to the local play that’s the talk of the town, the best moments in life happen when you're actually in the room. Life is better lived live. Image Credits: https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/news-and-trends/what-lionel-messis-india-visit-reveals-about-the-countrys/500981

Jan 2, 20261.1K reads
Golden age or Gatekept? 18% surge in Mumbai's Live Entertainment Scene

Golden age or Gatekept? 18% surge in Mumbai's Live Entertainment Scene

The heartbreak of the loading screen. We all know the specific anxiety of 11:59 AM on a Friday. You have the ticketing page open, your credit card details copied to your clipboard, and a prayer in your heart. You refresh once. You refresh twice. And then, the inevitable happens: Queue position 45,000. By 12:05 PM, it’s all over. If it feels like the competition for concert tickets has become fierce lately, the numbers back you up. Mumbai’s live entertainment industry just clocked an impressive 18% growth. We are officially in the golden age of live events. The biggest global artists, the most massive festivals, and world-class Broadway productions are all landing here. But this boom brings a complicated question: If the industry is growing, why does it feel harder than ever to get in the door? Here is the reality of what that 18% growth means for the ticket ecosystem: 1. The Scarcity Paradox The math is simple, but brutal. While the appetite for live experiences has grown by double digits, the number of seats in our stadiums and arenas has remained largely the same. This 18% growth represents a massive influx of new demand. It’s not just die-hard fans anymore; it’s the casual listeners, the "FOMO" crowd, and travelers from across India flying in for the weekend. When demand explodes and supply stays flat, the primary box office becomes a lottery. This doesn't just encourage the secondary market (reselling)—it necessitates it. For many, the resale market is no longer Plan B; it is the only way to access the event. 2. The "Wild West" of Reselling Because the primary market sells out in seconds, the action immediately shifts to the shadows. Currently, the resale market in India is largely unstructured. It lives in Instagram DMs, obscure Telegram groups, and Twitter threads. It is a "Wild West" scenario where desperation drives the economy. The boom has attracted two types of sellers: The Real Fan: The person who genuinely can’t make it and wants to recoup their money. The Speculator: The person (or bot) who bought the ticket solely to leverage the 18% demand surge and flip it for a massive profit. Without a regulated platform, it is nearly impossible for a buyer to distinguish between the two. 3. The Trust Deficit This is the biggest casualty of the boom. As ticket prices soar on the secondary market, so does the sophistication of scams. We are seeing a rise in "duplicate sells"—where one valid PDF ticket is sold to ten different people. Only the first person to scan it at the gate gets in; the other nine are left stranded outside. The industry is growing, but the infrastructure for trusted transfers hasn't caught up. 4. The Future is Verified Mumbai’s growth isn't slowing down. If anything, it’s accelerating. To sustain this momentum, the way we exchange tickets has to evolve. The future of ticketing isn't about stopping resale—that’s impossible in a free market. It’s about securing it. We are moving toward a model where verification is king. Fans need a guarantee that the ticket they are buying secondhand is valid, and sellers need a safe way to transfer ownership without getting flagged. The Takeaway Mumbai is buzzing, and the 18% growth is something to celebrate. It means our city is alive. But until we fix the bridge between "Sold Out" and "Resale," fans need to be smarter, sharper, and more cautious than ever. The show must go on—we just need to make sure we can all get a ticket to see it.

Jan 2, 20261.2K reads