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Singer Neha Kakkar is in the headlines after she broke down on the stage and apologised to the impatient audience after she arrived three hours late at a Melbourne concert. The singer was brutally criticised for her 'unprofessional' behaviour during the concert in Australia. While several attendees expressed frustration, social media users brutally trolled her. But, a few others defended her.
As the singer is embroiled in controversy, following the flak, here's the chronology of the incident.
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Neha Kakkar 'Cries' and 'Apologises'
On Sunday (March 23), videos of Neha Kakkar surfaced on social media in which she was seen breaking down into tears.
In a viral video, she was heard saying, "You have been really sweet and patient, waiting for so long. I hate it. I have never made anyone wait in my entire life."
She further added, "I was so worried about what would happen. It means a lot to me. I will always remember this evening forever. Since you have taken out your precious time for me, I will make you all dance."
In the video, the audience can be heard shouting comments like, "This isn't India, you're in Australia. Go back and take rest. We waited for over two hours. Very good acting. This isn't Indian Idol."
Neha Kakkar's Clarification
Following the backlash, Neha clarified that the event organisers were responsible for the delay. She alleged that they failed to provide accommodation, food, and water to her team. She also alleged that they withheld her performance fee.
Later, she shared a long post on her Instagram story, alleging that the organisers ran away with her money. She blamed the organisers for causing the mayhem to her and her crew members at the last moment. She also claimed performing absolutely free for 'her Melbourne audience'.
Tony Kakkar Takes A Stand For Sister Neha
Following the controversy, Neha's brother and music composer, Tony Kakkar, took a stand for his sister. Amid the mounting criticism, Tony shared a cryptic post on Instagram and highlighted that logistical failures by the event organisers were to blame for the delay.
Though he didn't take anyone's name, Tony shared a series of back-to-back Instagram stories, including a possible backstory behind the incident.
Husband Rohanpreet Singh Defends Neha
Later, Neha's husband, Rohanpreet Singh, defended Neha Kakkar. Rohan penned a long note on Instagram and urged people not to jump to conclusions without knowing the full story. Furthermore, he also expressed pride in Neha and her crew for pushing through the challenges and delivering a performance.
Organisers 'Hit Back' After Neha Kakkar's 'Performing Free' Claims
Days after Neha Kakkar's claims of 'performing free' at the Melbourne concert, the organisers, Beat Production, hit back at the singer with their side of the story.
The organisers held Neha responsible for a massive financial loss- Rs 4.53 crore, to be exact. Furthermore, the company also stated that Neha owed them money.
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The organisers took to social media and shared a detailed expense breakdown of Neha's Sydney and Melbourne concerts. They further claimed that Neha's alleged 'unprofessionalism' resulted in their ban from Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena. They also claimed to have been blacklisted by Crown Towers in both Sydney and Melbourne due to smoking violations in the artist’s room, which is strictly prohibited in Australia.
During a Facebook Live session, the organisers denounced Neha’s accusations of poor management. They claimed that all necessary provisions were made for Neha Kakkar and her team. To support their argument, they shared a video giving a glimpse into the arrangements made for the singer and her team.
They said, "The allegations are completely false. We are in big debt after the show. She should be the one paying us… it was a mistake having her on board.”
