‘Insult To Her Dignity…’ AICWA Supports Shilpa Rao, Slams BMP 2026 Organisers

Shilpa Rao’s performance in Mumbai ended abruptly. The incident at the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) on October 24 has prompted a strong response from the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA). The organisation condemned the singer’s treatment and pledged legal support if she decides to take action against the organisers.

AICWA Condemns Shilpa Rao’s Treatment And Offers Legal Support

AICWA issued a statement on October 25, condemning the interruption during Shilpa’s performance at BMP’s 10th edition. The organisation alleged that her microphone and stage lights were switched off while she was still performing. It also criticised the decision to let another act take over before she could finish addressing the audience.

The association described the incident as “a direct insult to her dignity and to the honour she has earned.” It also praised the audience for continuing to call out Shilpa’s name after her microphone was switched off. AICWA said such treatment of performers was unacceptable and called on event organisers to respect artists.

AICWA also made its position on possible legal action clear. Its statement said, “If she chooses to take any action against the Bollywood Music Project, AICWA will support her through every legal avenue.” The organisation warned that it would take action under the law if artists faced similar treatment in the future. It further argued that paying for a performance does not give organisers ownership over the artist.

AICWA Condemns Disrespect Shown to National Award-Winning Singer Shilpa Rao at the Bollywood Music Project 10th Edition Mumbai, 25 October 2026 The All Indian Cine Workers Association (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. Shilpa Rao was performing live on stage when her microphone and lights were forcibly switched off by the organisers. She remained on stage for some time. After her mic was switched off, another performer, Kutle Khan of the Kutle Khan Project, was allowed to sing in her place, and he began singing midway through her address. Forcibly cutting a performing artist's sound and lighting mid-show, and then handing the stage to another act, is completely unacceptable. Shilpa Rao is a National Award winner and one of the most respected voices in Indian music. Her songs have been loved by audiences across the country, including "Tose Naina" (Anwar), "Khuda Jaane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno), "Bulleya" (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil), "Chaleya" (Jawan) and "Ghungroo" (War). To treat an artist of her stature this way, on the stage of an anniversary edition, is a direct insult to her dignity and to the honour she has earned. When the mic and lights were switched off, the audience stood by Shilpa Rao and kept calling out her name, lifting her spirits. In a heartfelt note on Instagram, she wrote that a little piece of her heart broke that night, that the audience's love was felt even after the music stopped, and that she will come back to Mumbai. AICWA salutes the audience for standing with a true artist. AICWA's position: •AICWA condemns, in the harshest terms, the humiliation the Bollywood Music Project inflicted on National Award-winning singer Shilpa Rao while she was performing live on stage. Such behaviour towards an artist will never be tolerated. •AICWA stands firmly with Shilpa Rao. If she chooses to take any action against the Bollywood Music Project, AICWA will support her through every legal avenue. •If any artist is mistreated in the future, AICWA will take strict action against those responsible, as per the law. The humiliation of an artist will not be tolerated. •We call on the organisers to respect artists. If this behaviour continues, artists will refuse to perform at their events. •Artists are invited to showcase their art. Paying for a performance does not mean owning the performer. Anyone who believes otherwise is mistaken, and that attitude is wrong. •An artist wants respect, not humiliation. No artist should ever face such treatment on a live stage. | #ShilpaRao | #AICWA | #AllIndianCineWorkersAssociation | #Singer | #BollywoodMusicProject | | @shilparao11 | @bmp_online | @ANI | @PTI_News | @ians_india |

— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@aicwaofficial) October 25, 2026

What Happened To Jawan Singer At Bollywood Music Project 2026?

The incident took place at Jio World Gardens in Mumbai during the festival’s 10th edition. Shilpa was among the performers at the event, which featured Himesh Reshammiya as its headline act. Her set was affected by delays, and her microphone was cut off before she could complete her performance.

Shilpa then tried to thank the audience for their patience, but she could not finish speaking. According to AICWA’s statement, Kutle Khan of the Kutle Khan Project began performing while Shilpa was still on stage. The singer was left without a proper opportunity to conclude her set, even as audience members continued calling her name.

Following the incident, Shilpa shared an emotional message on Instagram about the experience. She wrote, “Mumbai, a little piece of my heart broke tonight. It hurts deeply to have something so beautiful taken away from us like this.” She also expressed gratitude for 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.”

Shilpa ended her note by promising to return to the city. She wrote, “Our story tonight was left unfinished. I promise, I will come back. I love you, Mumbai. Forever and ever,” expressing her affection for the audience despite the abrupt end to her performance.