When musicians found themselves at the receiving end at private events

Anu Malik, Harshit Saxena, Rahul Vaidya, Kailash Kher, Akriti Kakar

Anu Malik

While private events may be perceived as lucrative opportunities for musicians, few would know there's a flip side to it. Recently, Kaala Chashma singer Neha Kakkar broke down on stage at a private show. She posted on Facebook: "When you're a celebrity, people don't consider you a human being. Was performing at a wedding today. Despite being unwell, performed for 60 minutes. When I wasn't in the condition anymore, I told the organisers, but they said, 'You cannot go from here until you perform more' (sic). I broke down and regretted being a celebrity." Like Neha, several musicians have had unpleasant experiences at private events. We lend an ear to a few:

Anu Malik
I only perform at private events where alcohol isn't served. Otherwise, people become boisterous and feel that they own the artistes. Many a time when people are drunk, they get on stage, and hug you, because for them, it's a fan moment. At one of the events, around five years ago, I was on stage, and a guy, who was under the influence of alcohol, wanted to sing with me. I allowed him, thinking he was a singer. But, he said a few unpleasant things. I stopped the show and walked off with my musicians. I told the organisers I'd pay back all the money. The entire family apologised.

A few days ago, a video of a dancer who was shot dead on stage went viral. Such things are scary. I tell my daughter Anmol to be particular about the events she takes up.

Harshit Saxena

Harshit Saxena
I was slated to perform at a private event in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Despite clearly laying down a few conditions for the show, the organiser misbehaved with me at the venue. He cheated me and paid only half the agreed amount. He involved higher authorities, including the state's Chief Minister, to ensure I put up the show. I performed only for the sake of my image. Such behaviour towards artistes is saddening.

Rahul Vaidya

Rahul Vaidya
I was performing at a doctor's conference in Agra. Since alcohol was being served, some people got out of control. They started showering abuses, leading to an altercation. I stopped the show and asked them if they behaved like that at home, too. The organisers intervened and made peace.

Kailash Kher

Kailash Kher
People tend to get drunk and consider artistes easy targets. At an event, a guy, who was sozzled, got on stage and started hugging me while I was performing. He held me so tightly that I started to choke. The police at the spot had to intervene and take him off-stage. Another such instance happened in Raipur. After a show, a few bikers chased our car. When we reached the hotel, they had the audacity to follow us till our rooms. They wanted to click pictures with me. When my bouncers stopped them, they started hurling abuse. I had to call the IG of police to bring the situation under control.

Akriti Kakar

Akriti Kakar
Eight years ago, I, along with 10 other musicians, performed at a private event in Delhi on New Year's Eve. When an artiste, who was to perform after me, was taking longer to get on stage, I was asked to continue singing. A lady in the audience requested me to sing some Rajasthani songs. I politely declined saying it's not my genre, but she started abusing me. Since I wasn't experienced enough to give a befitting reply, I embarrassingly walked off stage. But, I promised myself to never take nonsense from anyone in future. Some events are memorable, some are a lesson.