Popular Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar is facing fresh controversy over her Melbourne concert held in March this year, as Australian event organisers have publicly disputed her version of events. The incident, which saw Neha arriving three hours late and breaking down on stage after being booed by the audience, sparked widespread debate on social media. While Neha alleged that the organisers ran away with her payment and failed to provide basic amenities like food, hotel, and water, the organisers have now pushed back, accusing her of being unprofessional and “lying.”
In an interview with entertainment host Siddharth Kannan, Australian promoters Pace D and Bikram Singh Randhawa — who were associated with the event — offered a different account. According to them, Neha Kakkar was scheduled for two back-to-back shows with their company: one in Sydney, which was a success with 1,500 to 2,000 attendees, and the second in Melbourne, which reportedly had a turnout of just 700.
The organisers allege that it was the lower attendance at the Melbourne show that caused the delay. “What I got to know from the organiser was that she said that there are just 700 people, so until you fill up the stadium, I won’t perform,” said Bikram. They further claimed that Neha showed up three hours late, causing outrage among fans who had paid up to 300 AUD (approximately ₹16,000) for tickets.
Responding to Neha’s accusation that the venue had no proper sound setup and that the sound engineers were not paid, Pace D clarified, “There were opening acts there and everyone performed and all the setup was done. I don’t think what she was saying is true.” They also rejected claims that her team was left without accommodation or basic necessities. “Where was she staying if there was no hotel? She was traveling in a G Wagon,” said Pace D.
Refuting her statement about not being paid, the organisers insisted that she had received her full payment prior to flying to Australia — a standard practice in the country. “100 percent, she was paid in advance,” they said, adding that the organiser had to bear a loss of over 500,000 AUD due to the fallout of the Melbourne event.
Earlier, Neha had addressed the backlash on Instagram with an emotional note. She claimed to have performed for free in Melbourne after the organisers allegedly fled with her and others’ payments. “Do you know our sound check got delayed by hours because the sound vendor was not paid and he refused to put the sound on?” she wrote, adding that the uncertainty led to confusion and delays in reaching the venue.
Neha Kakkar, known for chart-topping hits like Badri Ki Dulhaniya, Coca Cola, Sunny Sunny, and Garmi, has not yet responded to the organisers’ latest statements. The incident continues to stir debate online about artist treatment, professionalism, and audience expectations at international concerts.
Sources By Agencies
