AICWA slams mic cut‑off at Bollywood Music Project, backs Shilpa Rao

Shilpa Rao’s set at the Bollywood Music Project in Mumbai was cut short on Saturday when her microphone was switched off mid‑performance. The cut came as the singer tried to thank the audience, but the sound stopped and the next act began while she was still on stage. Attendees reported that the performance faced delays before the mic was abruptly turned off. After being rushed off, Rao posted on Instagram that her heart broke, that the music stopped but fans kept calling her name, and she promised to return to Mumbai. The event was held at Jio World Gardens and was headlined by Himesh Reshammiya, with Rao listed as one of the featured artists.

Reaction

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) posted a statement on X condemning the humiliation of the National Award‑winning singer. AICWA said forcibly cutting sound and lighting mid‑show and handing the stage to another act is unacceptable and promised to back Rao through any legal action. The body warned that any future mistreatment of artists could lead to strict legal steps and that performers may refuse to appear at such events.

Context

Cutting a performer’s mic mid‑song is seen as a serious breach of live‑show protocol and often leads to complaints from artists and unions who protect performers’ rights.