Shah Rukh Khan’s Dubai concert angers VIPs, guests; organisers blame ‘unprecedented crowds’

One year ago, to the day, Salman Khan took to the stage in Dubai and the fallout was a volley of bad publicity that took weeks to die down.

It appears, arch rival Shah Rukh Khan has not fared any better.

Even with the dust now settled post the brouhaha caused at the ‘Access All Areas’ mega Bollywood concert on December 1, angry audience members are still kicking up a fuss over the ‘lack of organising’ that saw this Duvent Live event face backlash over social media and to the press.

One audience member, Amit Anand said: “Access All Areas – the show where VVIP watched on screen and the VIP had not enough seats. Gladly Shah Rukh Khan kept the show alive as usual.”

PD said: “Pity die-hard fans who paid crazy money to watch Shah Rukh and Madhuri Dixit live in concert but have to watch on screens instead.”

In lieu of the complaints, the organisers issued a statement, saying: “We would like to confirm that the event held at Dubai Sports City started right on schedule despite the initial setback triggered by a section of the audience that was looking to bypass event entry rules.

“The concern, a common occurrence at top-billed live events that draw unprecedented crowds, was quickly brought under control to allow the show to commence as scheduled.”

Earlier, Emirates 24|7 quoted members seated in the second and third rows of the concert they were unable to see most of the show with crowds thronging to the front of the stage, blocking the view of all those seated in the front seats.

While several complained the security was non existent, which is also one of the reasons why a fan even managed to get up on stage and tackle Shah Rukh Khan at the end of the concert, a security member on the condition of anonymity, stated that they tried their best, but the crowds wouldn’t listen.

Finally, Civil Defence took control of the scene.

However, the crowds weren’t the only issue plaguing those attending.

A reader, Shiraz, wrote in to this news media to say: “It was a complete let down for the people in the balcony. We could neither hear or see properly because the stage was set too far with two small screens.

“I could see people running in excitement at the show and being let down by the distance of the stage and unclear screens. Lots of them went home in the middle of the show.
 

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“A complete disaster from where I was seated.”

Raquel D’Souza echoed the sentiment, saying: “The balcony view was horrible. It was my first concert in attendance and was totally let down. We couldn’t hear nor see clearly and we were just guessing as to who was performing.

“The only moment I got up and started dancing was when Yo Yo Honey Singh performed. In fact I went to the concert only to see him.

“It was a disgrace with Shah Rukh grabbing more than half of the show and being in limelight. He killed the entertainment totally.”

Several reported that despite being touted as a sold out show, only 6,000-7,000 attended ‘Access All Areas’.

The organisers reported 18,000 people attended the event.

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