Indian rapper Raftaar made headlines this week for halting his performance at a college festival and publicly confronting the event’s organising committee over seating arrangements that, he said, were killing the vibe of the show. Known for his energetic stage presence and chart-topping tracks across desi hip-hop and Bollywood, Raftaar’s candid address highlighted the growing disconnect sometimes seen between performers and live audiences, particularly at youth-focused events.
The incident took place during Raftaar’s set at a college fest in Mumbai, where faculty members had been seated in the front rows closest to the stage, while students were pushed further back. Midway through the performance, the rapper paused and voiced his frustration, saying the energy he was used to feeding off and giving back was missing. In an effort to explain the awkward atmosphere, he told the organisers and faculty in Hindi that “Problem yeh ho rahi hai ki energy na hum ek doosre mein transfer nahi kar pa rahe hai,” meaning that there was no energy exchange between him and the audience. “Agle saal se meri faculty se request hai ki agar aapko aise baith ke pyaar se show dekhna hai toh side mein banaya kariye taki bacche log hamare sath enjoy kar sake,” he added, urging that faculty be seated to the side so students could better enjoy the performance.
Raftaar’s remarks, which began as an attempt to inject life into the show, quickly drew cheers from the student audience behind the barricades, who responded positively to his appeal for more spirited engagement. His call to rethink seating was not merely a complaint about placement; it underscored the importance of atmosphere in live music, especially at college festivals where audience enthusiasm can elevate a performance. Artists of Raftaar’s calibre, who often perform on stadium stages and international venues, thrive on that back-and-forth energy.
The rapper didn’t stop there. Referencing his recent work outside India, Raftaar pointed out that just the previous day, he had performed in Abu Dhabi, where he felt the crowd’s excitement was palpable, far more than what he encountered at the college event. “Main bhi badhiya level ka artist hoon… Wahan angrez log bhi humse zyada excited hote hai… pata nahi kyun aap itne serious hai,” he said, questioning why some attendees seemed so reserved during his set. This remark resonated with many online, with clips of his address rapidly spreading across social platforms.
The moment also ignited broader discussion about the dynamics of live performance culture in India. While concerts and college fests are increasingly high-profile, often featuring mainstream and international acts, the placement of guests of honour or VIPs at the expense of energetic engagement has become a talking point. Raftaar’s comments called attention to a trend where traditional seating hierarchy may sometimes hamper the intended spirit of youth-centric events.
Online reaction has been mixed. Many fans supported Raftaar’s stand, noting that live music is a two-way street and that performers deserve an audience that matches their energy. Others suggested that better event planning is essential so that both faculty and students can enjoy shows without discomfort. Either way, the viral exchange has highlighted the evolving expectations around live entertainment in India’s booming concert scene.
As performers increasingly bring international standards of live music to Indian stages, the interaction between artist and audience remains a key ingredient for success. Raftaar’s call for a more energetic, student-centric experience has now become a talking point for event organisers and fans alike, sparking conversation about how best to keep the music alive.
Snehashish roy
