The controversy surrounding Shilpa Rao’s performance at Mumbai’s Bollywood Music Project has escalated after the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemned the alleged humiliation of the National Award-winning singer. Shilpa’s performance was cut short on Saturday after her microphone was switched off amid production delays, leaving her unable to complete her set or properly thank the audience. Following the incident, the singer expressed heartbreak over the experience in an emotional social media statement. AICWA has now backed Shilpa, stating that it will support her through every legal avenue if she decides to take action against the event organisers.
AICWA Condemns Disrespect Shown To Shilpa Rao At Bollywood Music Project
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly condemned the treatment of National Award-winning singer Shilpa Rao during her live performance at the 10th edition of the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) in Mumbai on October 24, 2026. In its statement, the association alleged that the singer’s microphone and lights were forcibly switched off by the organisers, cutting her performance short.
AICWA also raised concerns over another performer, Kutle Khan, being allowed to sing in her place. Calling the incident unacceptable, the association described it as a direct insult to an artist whose popular songs include Tose Naina, Khuda Jaane, Bulleya and Chaleya. In its statement, AICWA said, “AICWA strongly condemns the treatment of National Award-winning singer Shilpa Rao during her live performance at the 10th edition of the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) in Mumbai on 24 October 2026.”
AICWA Offers Legal Support To Shilpa Rao
The association has pledged its support to if she decides to take legal action against the Bollywood Music Project organisers. It maintained that artists should be treated with dignity and respect, particularly during live performances. “AICWA stands firmly with Shilpa Rao and will support her through every legal avenue if she takes action against the Bollywood Music Project,” the statement read. The organisation also warned that it would take strict action, as per the law, if any artist faced similar treatment in the future.
“If any artist is mistreated in future, AICWA will take strict action as per the law. Humiliation of an artist will never be tolerated. An artist wants respect, not humiliation,” it added. It also acknowledged the audience’s response after Shilpa’s performance was abruptly cut short. According to the association, concertgoers continued calling out the singer’s name even after the music stopped, showing their support for her.
The statement also read, “Her mic and lights were forcibly switched off by the organisers, and another performer, Kutle Khan, was allowed to sing in her place. This is completely unacceptable and a direct insult to an artist who has given us “Tose Naina,” “Khuda Jaane,” “Bulleya,” “Chaleya” and many more loved songs.”
The association noted that the audience continued calling out Shilpa Rao’s name and supporting her after the music stopped. It also highlighted her promise to return to Mumbai in her Instagram note and praised the audience for standing by the singer.
Shilpa Rao On Concert Row
The singer had also expressed her heartbreak over the incident in an emotional Instagram note following the . She thanked the audience for their love and support, saying that their voices continued to reach her even after the music stopped.
“Mumbai, a little piece of my heart broke tonight. It hurts deeply to have something so beautiful taken away from us like this,” Shilpa wrote. She further acknowledged the audience’s support, adding, “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.”
Concluding her note, Shilpa promised to return to the city, writing, “I promise, I will come back. I love you, Mumbai. Forever and ever.”
What Happened At Bollywood Music Project?
The Bollywood Music Project was held at Mumbai’s Jio World Gardens on Saturday, October 24, with Himesh Reshammiya headlining the event. Shilpa Rao was among the featured performers, but her set was disrupted by production delays. Her microphone was switched off midway through her performance, and the lights were also switched off, according to AICWA’s statement. The singer was unable to complete her set and could not properly thank the audience before the next act began.