National Film Award-winning singer Shilpa Rao's husband, Ritesh Krishnan, has publicly defended his wife after she was reportedly subjected to public humiliation at a Mumbai concert, with her microphone and stage lights allegedly switched off before she could conclude her performance. The incident took place on 24 October 2025 during the 10th anniversary edition of the Bollywood Music Project (BMP) in Mumbai.

What Ritesh Krishnan Said

Taking to his social media account, Krishnan shared a heartfelt note expressing his anguish over the incident. 'I felt angry. I felt disappointed. I felt helpless!! And more than anything, it hurt to see someone I love and admire so deeply being put through this,' he wrote. He added that he knows 'the woman behind that voice' and described watching his wife being treated with disrespect as something he 'will never forget.'

Krishnan also took a pointed swipe at the event organisers. 'BMP, your PR team is working overtime to convince Mumbai it did not see what it saw. Cute!' he wrote, adding that denying a 'fellow artist just two minutes to say goodbye to her audience was selfish, petty, shameless and utterly classless.' He concluded his note with a message of gratitude to those who stood by Shilpa and a promise: 'Mumbai, we will be back.'

What Happened at the BMP Concert

According to reports, Shilpa Rao was mid-performance at the BMP 10th anniversary event in Mumbai when her microphone and stage lights were reportedly cut before she could properly finish her set. As she attempted to address the audience and thank her fans, another performer, Kutle Khan, began his set. The abrupt end to her performance sparked immediate outrage on social media.

Shilpa herself responded with a note addressed to Mumbai. 'A little 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 did not... Our story tonight was left unfinished. I promise, I will come back. I love you, Mumbai,' she wrote. The post drew widespread sympathy from fans and fellow artists alike.

Who Is Shilpa Rao

Shilpa Rao is widely regarded as one of Bollywood's most accomplished playback singers. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, she has lent her voice to landmark tracks including 'Tose Naina', 'Khuda Jaane', 'Ishq Shava', 'Malang', 'Ghungroo', 'Besharam Rang', 'Chaleya', and 'Sajni'. She won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for 'Chaleya' from the Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara-starrer 'Jawan'.

Fan and Social Media Reaction

The incident triggered significant backlash online, with fans expressing sharp disappointment at the manner in which her set was brought to a close. Critics argue the treatment of a National Award-winning artist of Shilpa Rao's stature reflects poorly on event management standards at large-scale Bollywood concerts. The BMP organisers have not yet issued a substantive public response, though Krishnan's note suggested a PR effort was underway to manage the fallout.

What Comes Next

Krishnan's public note and Shilpa's own message to Mumbai indicate the couple intends to return to the city for a performance that delivers the 'beautiful ending' she had promised her fans. The episode has reignited a broader conversation about how veteran artists are treated at ticketed music events, and whether event management protocols adequately respect performers' commitments to their audiences.