The lights flickered to black and her mic cut out as Shilpa Rao—India’s most acclaimed vocalist—was halfway through her set, leaving the audience stunned. The crowd's silence turned into cheers for the singer, who remained on stage, waiting for the music to return.
Kutle Khan of the Kutle Khan Project stepped onto the stage, taking over the mic and launching into his own set while Shilpa stayed backstage. The All‑Indian Cine Workers Association slammed the move, calling it a blatant disrespect to a national award‑winning artist.
This wasn’t just a glitch; it was the 10th anniversary of the Bollywood Music Project, a milestone event that should have celebrated the best in Indian music. Shilpa Rao, whose hits range from "Tose Naina" to "Ghungroo," has long been the voice that carries Bollywood’s emotional core.
AICWA’s statement warned organisers that such treatment could push artists to boycott future events, and it pledged support if Rao decides to pursue legal action. The incident has ignited a debate about the rights of performers and the responsibilities of festival organisers.