New Delhi: The mounting concern over Delhi’s air pollution has reached concert stages, too. In a shocking turn of events, popular singer Kavita Seth was
forced to cancel a major performance in Mumbai after struggling to breathe during a live show in Delhi. The worsening Delhi AQI has left the veteran vocalist battling severe vocal distress, eventually resulting in complete voice loss and a rare show cancellation.
The singer, who is celebrated for tracks such as Iktara (Wake Up Sid, 2009) and Rangisari (Jugjugg Jeeyo, 2022), was recently in the national capital for a performance at Eldeco Centre. The impact of the toxic air was reportedly felt almost immediately after the plane landed.
Kavita Seth cancels Mumbai show
“From the moment I landed in Delhi, I could feel my voice wasn’t what it should be. But once I went on stage, I was literally choking and felt suffocated. I couldn’t even speak properly, forget singing for a live audience,” the 55-year-old shared with HT City
Despite the alarming symptoms, the performance was pushed through. However, the physical toll was evident throughout the set. “I knew I wasn’t giving my cent per cent. In fact, 20–25% bhi awaaz nahin thi,” she said, describing the ordeal in stark terms. Recalling the hour-long struggle, she added, “I managed to get through it with great difficulty, girte padhte gaya, mushkil se 60 minute poore kar payi, no idea how I stood there on stage.”
Medical intervention followed soon after. While still in Delhi, a doctor was consulted and steroids were prescribed in the hope of saving her voice ahead of her next commitment. “But it didn’t help. I was advised complete voice rest for seven days, along with antibiotics,” she revealed.
Cancelled show at IIT Bombay’s festival
The situation worsened, leading to the cancellation of her scheduled performance at IIT Bombay’s festival, a first in her long and celebrated career. The decision was described as emotionally devastating. “I am completely voiceless now. Calling off the show was heartbreaking. If it were a fever, I could blame myself. But this was not in my control,” she said.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Kavita highlighted the vulnerability of performers in deteriorating environmental conditions. “For singers, this is the ultimate test. We live by our voices. And it is heartbreaking that once we were told to ‘go get some fresh air’, but now we’re advised to stay indoors.”
