Bollywood Music Project apologises after Shilpa Rao's performance is cut short in Mumbai amid delays

The Bollywood Music Project was held in Mumbai on October 24 and featured a large lineup of artists. However, the event reportedly ran nearly 45 minutes behind schedule, resulting in shorter performance slots. As Shilpa Rao attempted to address the audience, thank them and bid farewell, fellow performer Kutle Khan began his set, interrupting her closing remarks.

Shilpa 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."

The incident drew criticism from attendees on social media, with several accusing the organisers of poor time management and disrespect towards the singer. 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 also described the incident as "disrespectful behaviour" on Instagram and criticised the festival's time management.

Following the backlash, the organisers of the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) apologised after Rao's performance at the festival's 10th anniversary edition in Mumbai was abruptly cut short. Her microphone and electronic audio equipment were reportedly switched off midway through her performance after the event ran behind schedule.

The incident sparked further criticism from festival-goers and fans, with #JusticeForShilpaRao 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 that large-scale music festivals involved complex logistics and coordination among 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.