Organisers had apologised for switching off her microphone, citing earlier delays and venue curfew restrictions 
Entertainment

Shilpa Rao shares video of controversial cut-short Mumbai festival performance

Singer posted a clip of her performing ‘Khuda Jaane’ days after her set was abruptly cut short at a Mumbai music festival

Singer Shilpa Rao has shared a video of her performance at the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) in Mumbai, days after her set was abruptly cut short, leaving her visibly disappointed and prompting an apology from the organisers.

On Wednesday, the singer posted a clip on Instagram showing her performing the popular track "Khuda Jaane" from the 2008 film Bachna Ae Haseeno, with the audience enthusiastically singing along.

"I sing for you with all my heart...and that's all that matters," Rao captioned the video, expressing her appreciation for the audience following the controversy surrounding her performance.

The singer, known for popular songs including "Chaleya", "Tere Hawaale" and "Besharam Rang", had performed at the 10th-anniversary edition of Bollywood Music Project on October 24.

However, her performance ended unexpectedly when her microphone was switched off before she could complete her scheduled set.

Performance ends abruptly

The incident occurred while Rao was still on stage. As she attempted to address the audience and thank them for their support, singer Kutle Khan began his performance, interrupting her farewell.

The unexpected transition prevented Rao from completing her interaction with the crowd, leading to disappointment among those attending the festival.

Following the incident, the 42-year-old singer took to Instagram to express how deeply the experience had affected her.

"Mumbai, a piece of my heart broke tonight. It hurts deeply to have something so beautiful taken away from us like this. But even when the music stopped you didn't," she wrote.

Rao also acknowledged the audience's response after her performance was interrupted, saying their continued support had meant a great deal to her.

"The way you kept calling my name, the love in your voices, I could feel it all. I promise I will come back to Mumbai," she added.

Organisers issue apology

Following the controversy, the organisers of Bollywood Music Project issued an apology to Rao for the abrupt conclusion of her performance.

They attributed the incident to delays caused by earlier performances, which affected the festival's schedule, along with restrictions imposed under the venue's curfew regulations.

The organisers said these circumstances had forced them to end the set earlier than intended.

Singer thanks Mumbai audience

Despite the disappointment, Rao's latest Instagram post focused on her connection with the audience rather than the disruption.

The video of her singing "Khuda Jaane" captured concertgoers joining in with the lyrics, highlighting the enthusiastic reception she received during her appearance.

Her message also followed an earlier promise to return to Mumbai for another performance.

Rao, whose playback career spans several languages and major Bollywood productions, has delivered several chart-topping songs over the years.

Her latest post appeared to underline her appreciation for fans who continued cheering for her even after the music stopped.