Mumbai | October 26, 2026

National Award-winning playback singer Shilpa Rao’s performance at the 10th-anniversary edition of the Bollywood Music Project in Mumbai was abruptly cut short on October 24, triggering criticism of the event’s management and prompting an apology from the organisers.

The incident took place at Jio World Gardens, where Rao was performing before the next act, Kutle Khan of the Kutle Khan Project, began performing while she was still on stage. Reports from the venue said Rao’s microphone and stage equipment were switched off before she could complete her performance and farewell remarks.

Performance interruption sparks controversy

According to eyewitness reporting by Bollywood Hungama, Rao’s performance began well but was interrupted amid delays in the festival schedule. As she attempted to address the audience, the next act began on an adjacent stage.

Rao reportedly told the audience that she wanted to say goodbye before leaving. Her remarks were subsequently interrupted when her microphone was switched off again.

Videos circulating on social media show the singer on stage during the transition, with the incident prompting differing interpretations among viewers. However, eyewitness accounts published after the event reported that audience members chanted Rao’s name and booed the interruption.

The available reports do not establish that the audience was demanding that Rao stop performing. The controversy has instead centred on how her performance was brought to an end and how the transition between artists was managed.

Singer expresses disappointment

Following the incident, Rao shared an emotional message on Instagram, expressing her disappointment at the abrupt conclusion of her performance while thanking the Mumbai audience for its support.

She wrote that “a little piece of my heart broke” and said it hurt to have something beautiful taken away in that manner. She also acknowledged the audience members who continued calling her name after the music stopped and promised to return to Mumbai.

Her response drew further attention to the incident, with fans criticising the organisers over the handling of the performance.

Organisers cite scheduling delays and venue restrictions

The Bollywood Music Project subsequently issued an apology, stating that it regretted the premature conclusion of Rao’s set.

In its statement, the organisers said large-scale music festivals involve complex logistics and multiple performers, and that extended performances earlier in the programme had caused scheduling delays. They also cited local authority guidelines and venue curfew restrictions as factors that limited the time available.

The organisers said they held Rao in high regard and apologised to the singer, her team and the fans who had attended to watch her perform.

While the statement explained the operational circumstances behind the early conclusion, it did not change the fact that Rao’s performance ended before she could complete her planned appearance.

Cine workers’ association condemns the incident

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also condemned the treatment of Rao, describing the abrupt shutdown of the microphone and stage lights during a live performance as unacceptable.

The association said it would support the singer if she chose to pursue action against the organisers. It also called for artists to be treated with respect, irrespective of the operational challenges involved in organising large events.

Questions over festival management

The incident has renewed discussion about scheduling, communication with performers and stage-management practices at multi-artist music festivals. While organisers have attributed the premature ending to delays and venue restrictions, criticism has focused on the manner in which the performance was stopped and the transition to the next act was handled.

With video clips continuing to circulate online, the episode has also highlighted the importance of examining the complete sequence of events rather than drawing conclusions from isolated moments.

For now, the organisers have apologised, while Rao has thanked her supporters and expressed her intention to return to Mumbai. The incident remains a reminder that effective event management requires not only adherence to schedules and venue regulations but also clear communication and consideration for performers and audiences.