We deeply apologise: Organisers break silence after Shilpa Rao's set is cut short

Bollywood Music Project organisers apologised after Shilpa Rao's Mumbai set was abruptly cut short. The interruption sparked fan criticism and pushed #JusticeForShilpaRao into online trends.Shilpa Rao’s performance was cut short at the Bollywood Music Project. (Credit: Instagram/@shilparao)New Delhi,Oct 25, 2026 10:49 ISTThe organisers of the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) have apologised after singer Shilpa Rao’s performance at the festival’s 10th anniversary edition in Mumbai was abruptly cut short on October 24. Her microphone and electronic audio equipment were reportedly switched off mid-performance after the event ran behind schedule.The incident drew criticism from festival-goers and fans, and #JusticeForShilpaRao began trending online. In a social media statement, the organisers attributed the early end to delays caused by extended performances, local authority guidelines and venue curfew rules.Addressing the incident, the organisers wrote, “We deeply apologise. At BMP, our mission is always to deliver an unparalleled live music experience for both our artists and their fans. We want to address the abrupt conclusion of Shilpa Rao’s performance at this weekend’s festival.”They said they held Rao in the highest regard and valued her legacy, artistry and impact on the music industry. “It was an absolute honour to have her on our line-up,” the statement read. The organisers explained large-scale music festivals involved complex logistics and multiple artists. “Despite strict planning and coordination, live events can experience unpredictable operational shifts, including extended sets from earlier performances,” they said.Explaining why Rao’s performance ended early, the organisers wrote, “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.” They also apologised to Rao, her team and her fans. “We share in your disappointment and appreciate your understanding as we navigate the strict operational realities of live festival production,” the statement further added.What happened at the event?The event was reportedly running nearly 45 minutes behind schedule, resulting in shorter performance slots for artists. As Rao tried to address the audience, thank them and bid farewell, fellow performer Kutle Khan began his set and interrupted her closing remarks.Rao later expressed her disappointment in an Instagram story while thanking the Mumbai audience for its support. “Mumbai, a little piece of my heart broke tonight. It hurts deeply to have something so beautiful taken away from us like this,” she wrote.She added, “But even when the music stopped, you did not. The way you kept calling my name, the love in your voices... Our story tonight was left unfinished. I promise, I will come back.”Fans criticise festival managementThe interruption prompted criticism online, with attendees accusing the organisers of poor time management and disrespecting a senior artist. One attendee wrote on X: “What happened with @shilparao11 at the #bollywoodmusicproject is just appalling. She wasn't even given time to say thank you. Her music was cut midway, with electronic equipment all off.”Another fan wrote: “Worst management... Shilpa was abruptly cut by Kutle Khan and the organisers shut Shilpa's mic mid-performance. Absolutely horrible production. I wish this never happens to any artist.”Other users described the incident on Instagram as “disrespectful behaviour” and also criticised the festival’s time management.- Ends