Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has officially responded to the controversy surrounding his live performance at a cultural event in Uttarakhand last month. The incident, which took place during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, saw the performer interrupted mid-concert by Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal. The minister publicly reprimanded the singer on stage, questioning his conduct and alleging that the artist appeared intoxicated.
Following weeks of silence, Mehndi took to social media to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout the ordeal. In a statement posted to his Instagram account, the singer acknowledged the emotional impact of the situation. He noted that the public support and the faith demonstrated by his fans during the row were deeply moving, stating that the level of affection he received was difficult to put into words.
A significant portion of Mehndi's message was dedicated to his family, specifically his brother, singer Mika Singh. Mehndi credited his family as his primary source of strength during the controversy, explicitly mentioning that Mika Singh had stood up for him like a “force to reckon with.” Alongside his brother, he extended his thanks to the broader entertainment industry for rallying behind him during the challenging period.
The controversy first gained widespread attention when footage of the interaction between the minister and the artist went viral. During the event, Minister Subodh Uniyal intervened while Mehndi was on stage, suggesting the singer was unable to speak properly and questioning his ability to perform. In a subsequent interaction with the news agency ANI, the minister elaborated on his decision to interrupt the performance, alleging that Mehndi appeared disoriented and was lip-syncing rather than singing live.
The minister justified his public confrontation by citing the expectations placed on a high-profile artist. He claimed that because the singer had been offered a performance fee of ₹35 lakh, there was an obligation to deliver a professional show. According to the minister, he expressed his resentment because he felt the artist was not doing justice to the craft during the event, which was part of a local development fair.
In contrast to the minister's assertions, Mika Singh and several other industry figures defended the singer shortly after the incident. Mika Singh publicly criticised the minister for what he described as a lack of respect toward the performer, arguing that his brother had been unwell during the scheduled show. This public defense became a focal point of the discourse following the event, highlighting a sharp divide between the minister’s expectations of conduct and the artist's personal circumstances.
Mehndi concluded his recent statement by reflecting on the kindness he received throughout the ordeal, noting that it was something he would never forget. He closed his message by offering his festive wishes for Diwali to his supporters. While the incident remains a topic of public interest, this marks the singer's first detailed public response to the reprimand that dominated headlines following the Navratri celebrations in Uttarakhand.
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