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4 clusters · 37 sources · 6 days · First seen 8 days ago · Last updated 2 days ago

Daler Mehndi performance controversy in Uttarakhand

Overview

A controversy emerged following a performance by Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri fair in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. During the Navratri celebrations, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted the set, accusing Mehndi of lip-syncing and being under the influence of alcohol. The minister publicly questioned the singer’s capacity, stating, “You can’t even speak, so how are you going to sing?”

The incident drew significant backlash from the Indian entertainment industry. Mehndi’s brother, Mika Singh, denied the intoxication claims, attributing any perceived struggle to the singer’s recovery from recent major surgeries. Other celebrities, including Rajpal Yadav, Rakhi Sawant, Anupam Kher, and Badshah, joined the defense of the veteran artist. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, describing the treatment of the senior artist as “tragic for the entertainment industry.”

In response to the escalating situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami intervened by calling Mika Singh to emphasize that artists are respected in the state. Dhami has called for the matter to be closed, invoking the tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (the guest is equivalent to God).

While reports indicate that Minister Uniyal issued a telephonic apology to Daler Mehndi and the Chief Minister offered an apology on behalf of the minister, conflicting accounts have emerged. While Mika Singh’s team released a statement praising the gesture and noting that Mehndi does not wish to prolong the matter, some reports suggest Uniyal has denied apologizing. These reports claim the minister instead argued that Mehndi should have informed organizers if he was unwell and questioned the value of the performance provided.

Entities

Daler Mehndi · Uttarakhand · Mika Singh · Pushkar Singh Dhami · Subodh Uniyal

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted Daler Mehndi's performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair. desitalkchicago.com · www.womansera.com · www.news9live.com · www.sentinelassam.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Minister Uniyal questioned Mehndi's singing ability and suggested he was intoxicated. desitalkchicago.com · www.news9live.com · www.sentinelassam.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Mika Singh stated that Daler Mehndi does not consume alcohol. desitalkchicago.com · www.news9live.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Daler Mehndi has been facing health issues and has undergone surgery. desitalkchicago.com · www.sentinelassam.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Subodh Uniyal argued that Mehndi should not have attended if he was physically unfit to perform. www.sentinelassam.com

Timeline

2 days ago

[CULTURE] 13 sources
Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal apologizes to singer Daler Mehndi
Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal apologized to singer Daler Mehndi via telephone following a dispute at the Kunjapuri Devi Fair involving allegations of intoxication and lip-syncing.
4 days ago

[POLITICS] 13 sources
Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal defends stage confrontation with Daler Mehndi
Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal has defended his decision to confront singer Daler Mehndi on stage, amid allegations of intoxication that the singer's family and supporters attribute to poor health.
6 days ago

[CULTURE] 3 sources
FWICE supports Daler Mehndi in controversy involving Uttarakhand officials
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees has petitioned Indian leadership to support singer Daler Mehndi, citing health issues and recent surgery following a controversy in Uttarakhand.
8 days ago

[CULTURE] 27 sources
Daler Mehndi controversy sparks backlash against Uttarakhand minister
Singer Daler Mehndi has received widespread support from Bollywood celebrities after Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal publicly accused him of being intoxicated during a performance in New Tehri.

Sources

bhaskarhindi.com · bhaskarlive.in · cinemaexpress.com · desitalkchicago.com · en.etemaaddaily.com · enavabharat.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · glamsham.com · gulfnews.com · hindi.asianetnews.com · hindi.news18.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · ibc24.in · ibtimes.co.in · india.com · khabarchhe.com · khabarindiatv.com · khabarpahad.com · liveaaryaavart.com · news.abplive.com · news18.com · news9live.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · newsbytesapp.com · prabhatkhabar.com · pratahkal.com · samacharnama.com · sentinelassam.com · socialnews.xyz · southasiandaily.com · tennews.in · tezzbuzz.com · thecsrjournal.in · time.news · udaipurkiran.com · womansera.com · yespunjab.com

This summary has been updated 9 times: see revision history