Several celebrities from the music and entertainment industry have extended their support to veteran Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal accused him of being under the influence of alcohol during a performance at the Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri Garhwal on October 18. A video showing the minister confronting the singer on stage went viral on social media, sparking a debate over the treatment of artists and their responsibilities towards audiences.

Mika Singh Strongly Defends His Brother

Singer Mika Singh, Daler Mehndi’s younger brother, rejected the allegations that the veteran singer had consumed alcohol before his performance. Mika said his brother had not been keeping well and had recently undergone major surgery. He questioned the allegations about Daler’s drinking habits and challenged those making the claims to provide evidence.

Mika also said artists sometimes fulfil professional commitments even when they are unwell. He criticised the public treatment of his brother, arguing that an artist who had made significant contributions to the music industry deserved respect and dignity.

Badshah Calls for Respect for Senior Artists

Rapper Badshah also expressed support for Daler Mehndi. In a message shared on social media, he described Mehndi as a legend and said that although people could express disappointment with a performance, publicly humiliating an artist was deeply upsetting.

Badshah emphasised that senior artists deserved dignity, particularly when they might be going through difficult circumstances.

Kapil Sharma Urges People to Show Compassion

Comedian and actor Kapil Sharma supported Daler Mehndi by sharing Mika Singh’s message. He highlighted the singer’s recent serious surgery and urged people to show greater understanding, pointing out that they might not know what someone was experiencing privately.

Harshdeep Kaur and Shaan Also Extend Support

Singer Harshdeep Kaur described Daler Mehndi as a legend and suggested that he appeared to have been unwell during the performance. She noted that he was known for his powerful voice and energetic stage presence.

Singer Shaan praised Mehndi’s contribution to music, calling him an original rock star. Palash Sen, frontman of the band Euphoria, also shared an emotional message highlighting Mehndi’s contribution to Indian music and the joy his songs had brought to millions of people.

What Happened at the Kunjapuri Mela?

The controversy began during Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Kunjapuri Mela in Uttarakhand on October 18. Minister Subodh Uniyal reportedly interrupted the performance, questioned the singer’s ability to perform and alleged that he had consumed alcohol. The minister also raised concerns about the quality of the performance and the reported payment of ₹35 lakh.

The allegations have not been independently established. Mika Singh and other supporters suggested that Mehndi’s health problems could have affected his performance. The incident has prompted a wider discussion about the dignity of artists and the expectations of audiences who pay to attend performances.

The controversy has brought together several entertainment industry figures in support of Mehndi. While many have criticised the public confrontation, the debate has also highlighted questions about professional accountability and the importance of addressing complaints about performances respectfully.