Mark Knopfler, best known as the voice and guitar of the band Dire Straits, will be the latest in a growing list of foreign musicians to play in India.

Knopfler, currently on a world tour to promote his latest album "Shangri-La", will perform in the MMRDA Grounds at Mumbai March 5 and at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore March 7.

Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is a die-hard Knopfler fan and is expected to attend the Mumbai concert as a special invitee, said DNA Networks, the organisers of the India shows.

Growing up in Newcastle in Britain, Knopfler started out as a journalist covering the music beat until he decided to take up a career in music.

Known as one of the most respected and skilful guitarists in rock music, Knopfler has contributed to albums by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Buddy Guy, Tina Turner, Sting, Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Jeff Healey and Steely Dan.

But he is probably best known as the frontman of Dire Straits, the band he formed in 1977 with his brother David Knopfler, John Ilsley (bass) and Pick Withers (drums). The band got its name due to its habitual financial state.

Breaking into the charts worldwide with their anthem "Sultans of Swing", Dire Straits had a long and successful run till Knopfler decided to go solo in the 1990s.

Knopfler has also scored the music for films like "The Princess Bride", "Last Exit To Brooklyn", "Wag The Dog", "Local Hero" and "A Shot At Glory".

An ardent biker, Knopfler met with a near fatal motorcycle accident in 2003 while on his way to a recording studio. He broke his collarbone, shoulder bones and seven ribs.

He survived to create "Shangri-La" with the hit number "Boom, Like That".

Knopfler will be touring India nearly a month after fellow British musician Sting played in New Delhi and Bangalore in early February.

Though the best selling contemporary artistes are yet to come to India, older stars like Bryan Adams, Elton John and Rolling Stones have been including the country on the itinerary for their world tours.

Already in 2005, top flight jazz stars like Al Jarreau, Earl Klugh, Stanley Clarke, George Duke and ravi Coltrane have played in Mumbai and Delhi as part of a tour backed by the US government to raise awareness about AIDS.

The jazz fusion supergroup Shakti, featuring Zakir Hussain and guitarist John McLaughlin, too played a series of sell-out concerts in Indian metros.

T. Venkat Vardhan, managing director of DNA Networks said: "Indian audiences are truly responsive. Our roadmap includes bringing the best classic and contemporary performers to India."

Sanjay Behl, head of marketing for Nokia India, which is sponsoring Knopfler's show, said: "We are delighted to bring Mark Knopfler to India. This is a major event in our initiative to bring the best experiences from across the world to connect India's youth, and the young at heart, with their passion."