AR Rahman's concert organiser takes 'full responsibility', requests fans not to attack the maestro

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has come under heavy attack on social media over the last few days. His recent live concert titled Marakkuma Nenjam was marked by the traumatic experiences of hundreds of fans, who were eager to watch him in action. Many have accused the organiser, ACTC Events, of gross mismanagent and scamming the people by selling more tickets than the venue could hold. 

In the middle of the raging controversy, Hemanth Raja, CEO - ACTC Events, issued an unconditional apology to the public. He cited "unavoidable circumstances" such as "shortage of time and overcrowding" for the "inconveniences" faced by hundreds of fans. 

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AR Rahman is under fire on social media

However, the word inconvenience doesn't seem to fully capture the horrific events that unfolded outside the concert venue. According to reports, the crowding outside the venue led to incidents of molestation, stampede-like situations and traffic snarls. Several women have come forward with stories of being subjected to harassment by individuals taking advantage of the crowded conditions.

The visuals of fans with valid tickets breaking down in tears and lashing out at the event organisers flooded social media causing widespread outrage. As a result, Rahman found himself at the center of the escalating controversy.

"Rahman sir is a legendary artist. His responsibility was to put an excellent show on the stage and he fulfilled it. Those who were inside the venue enjoyed the show," Hemanth said in a video message. 

The gross mismanagement

"In the last few days, many people have attacked Rahman sir on social media platforms. And I would like to clarify that he was in no way responsible for all the inconveniences that happened at the venue. So, I humbly request you, not to target Rahman sir. I take full responsibility for all the inconvenience," he added. 

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Hemanth alleged that ticket duplication was the main reason behind all the mishaps while promising to refund all individuals who were denied entry despite having valid tickets.

Reacting to the controversy erlier, Rahman took the moral responsibility for the concert fiasco. He promised that from now on he would also be involved in planning the logistical and infrastructural requirements, besides curating his musical repertoire. Rahman also committed to learning from this incident and using it as an opportunity to help make Chennai India's "arts capital."