Mumbai, Oct 25: The organisers of the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) have issued an apology after singer Shilpa Rao had her performance cut short at the festival's 10th‑anniversary edition in Mumbai on October 24. Festival staff reportedly switched off her microphone and stage lights midway through the set as the event was running behind schedule.
Apology cites logistical delays and curfew restrictions
In a statement posted on social media, the BMP team said delays caused by extended performances earlier in the day, coupled with local authority guidelines and the venue's curfew, compelled organisers to end Rao's appearance prematurely. They expressed regret and acknowledged disappointment among the artist's supporters.
“We deeply apologise. At BMP, our mission is always to deliver an unparalleled live music experience for both our artists and their fans… Because our festivals operate under strict local authority guidelines and venue curfew regulations, these compounding delays unfortunately forced a premature end to her set,”
The statement also said the festival team held Rao "in the highest regard" and described it as an "absolute honour" to have her on the line‑up.
Industry reaction and public outcry
The abrupt termination of the set drew swift criticism from festival‑goers and fans on social media. The hashtag #JusticeForShilpaRao began trending as video clips and eyewitness accounts circulated. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) condemned the action, describing the switching off of Rao's microphone and lights during a live performance as "completely unacceptable".
Organising large music festivals involves coordination across multiple acts and technical teams; BMP's statement noted such events can experience "unpredictable operational shifts," including overrun performances, which in this instance allegedly left organisers with little option but to comply with regulatory limits.
- Event: Bollywood Music Project, 10th‑anniversary edition
- Date: October 24
- Location: Mumbai
- Issue: Microphone and stage lights for Shilpa Rao switched off mid‑performance
- Organisers' reason: Earlier delays, local authority guidelines, venue curfew
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| Oct 24 | Shilpa Rao's set ended abruptly at BMP; mic and lights cut |
| Oct 25 | BMP organisers issued an apology explaining logistical and regulatory reasons; AICWA criticised the organisers |
While the organisers framed the decision as a regrettable consequence of enforcing curfew and venue rules, critics argued the manner in which Rao's performance was halted showed a lack of respect for the artist and attendees. The AICWA's public rebuke emphasised that artists deserve professional courtesy and protection during live appearances.
The episode underscores tension that can arise at high‑profile multi‑artist events: balancing strict timelines and external regulations against artists' expectations and audience experience. Festival teams must juggle technical changeovers, line‑ups that run late, and municipal curfews — yet the optics of terminating a live vocal performance by cutting sound and lights can have reputational costs.
Organisers said they had apologised to Rao, her team and her fans, and asked for understanding as they navigate the "strict operational realities of live festival production." They repeated their regret at not being able to present her set in full.
The incident is likely to prompt renewed discussion within the live‑music industry on contingency planning, artist treatment and clearer communication with audiences when time limits and curfew regulations affect programming.
— Entertainment desk
