Concert Etiquette: Akriti Kakar Speaks Out
Singer Akriti Kakar has recently brought attention to the growing problem of audience misbehavior at music concerts in India. During events featuring both Indian and international artists, there have been several alarming incidents that have raised concerns. For instance, a fan threw his T-shirt at Karan Aujla during a performance at Rolling Loud, while in Bengaluru, a shocking incident occurred when fans attempted to pull down Akon's pants. Additionally, videos showing audience members fighting during the performances have gone viral, highlighting a troubling trend.
In her statements, Akriti expressed her dismay over how disrespectful behavior could affect India's reputation as a country that welcomes artists. She said, "The people we have idolized and used to save money to buy cassettes and CDs are coming to our country now. If this is how we treat them, I wonder if they would ever like to come back." Akriti believes that a few "rotten apples" among the audience are spoiling the image of India, which is traditionally known for treating guests with respect.
She emphasized the importance of audience etiquette, stating that all performers deserve respect, regardless of whether fans have paid for their tickets or not. "You are willing to spend huge money on concert tickets, but even if you have a free ticket, any artist performing deserves respect," she asserted. This point resonates strongly in an era where concert ticket prices can be exorbitant, yet the behavior of some attendees remains unacceptable.
Akriti also reflected on her own experiences as a female artist. She noted that while she faced harassment early in her career, times have changed significantly. "Years ago, I was a naive timid performer," she shared, explaining that she often received inappropriate comments from the audience despite not dressing inappropriately. However, she feels that the rise of smartphones and social media has empowered artists to speak out against such behavior.
She concluded by stating that the music industry must push for better audience behavior, not just for international artists but for all performers, especially women who have faced harassment for years. As India's concert scene grows, it is crucial to foster a culture of respect and appreciation for the artists gracing the stage.
