Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal publicly questioned his performance at a cultural event. The incident has triggered a debate over the treatment of veteran artists, with several celebrities defending the singer and demanding accountability from the minister.
What Happened at the Uttarakhand Event?
The controversy erupted on October 18 during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand. Uniyal interrupted Mehndi’s performance, questioned his ability to sing and alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol.
The minister also claimed that Mehndi had been paid ₹35 lakh for the performance but was lip-syncing instead of singing live. However, the allegations of intoxication have not been independently established.
Mika Singh Demands an Apology
Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, strongly defended him, stating that Daler does not consume alcohol. Mika also revealed that his brother had recently undergone major surgery and suggested that his health could have affected his performance.
On October 21, Mika demanded an apology from Uniyal and urged Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to look into the minister’s conduct. He also challenged the minister to publicly produce proof of the claimed ₹35 lakh payment.
Anupam Kher, Kapil Sharma and Others Show Support
Actor Anupam Kher criticised the public treatment of Mehndi, while comedian Kapil Sharma urged people to show compassion, pointing to the singer’s recent surgery.
Badshah, Shaan, Harshdeep Kaur, Rajpal Yadav and other entertainment industry personalities also expressed support for the veteran singer.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dhami, raising concerns about the incident.
Minister Refuses to Back Down
On October 22, Uniyal maintained his position and questioned why Mehndi performed if he was unwell. The controversy continues to fuel debate over artistic dignity and professional responsibility.