Singer Shilpa Rao's performance at the Bollywood Music Project Festival in Mumbai was cut short on Saturday, October 24, after delays forced the organisers to end her set midway. Her microphone was switched off while she was still on stage, leaving fans shocked.
Rao was among the performers at the 10th anniversary edition of the festival. As she tried to thank the audience for their patience, her speech was also cut short. The next act began while the singer was still on stage, attempting to address her fans.
Shilpa Rao's Performance Cut Short
Later that night, Shilpa took to social media to share how the incident affected her. She wrote, "Mumbai, a little piece of my heart broke tonight. It hurts deeply to have something so beautiful taken away from us like this."
She added, "But even when the music stopped, you did not. The way you kept calling my name, the love in your voices. I could feel it all. Our story tonight was left unfinished. I promise, I will come back. I love you, Mumbai. Forever and ever."
Organisers Apologise To Shilpa Rao
The incident drew criticism from fans and festival-goers, with #JusticeForShilpaRao trending online. The organisers later issued an apology, saying they held the singer in high regard and respected her contribution to the music industry.
Explaining what led to the early end of her performance, they said, "Despite strict planning and coordination, live events can experience unpredictable operational shifts, including extended sets from earlier performances."
They further stated, "Because our festivals operate under strict local authority guidelines and venue curfew regulations, these compounding delays unfortunately forced a premature end to her set. While these circumstances were entirely out of our control, we deeply regret that we could not showcase her performance in its entirety."
The organisers also apologised to Shilpa, her team and her fans for not being able to complete the performance as planned.
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Shilpa Rao's Popular Songs
Shilpa Rao made her playback singing debut in 2007 with Tose Naina from Anwar, composed by Mithoon. She gained wider recognition with Khuda Jaane from Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008).
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Over the years, she has lent her voice to several popular songs, including Bulleya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Ghungroo from War and Chaleya from Jawan. She received a National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya.