“Why accept the gig if you’re unwell?” Minister questions Daler Mehndi

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A musical evening featuring Daler Mehndi at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri took an unexpected turn when Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal confronted the singer on stage, triggering a controversy over professional commitments, an artist’s dignity and public conduct.

The incident unfolded when Uniyal walked onto the stage during Mehndi’s performance and questioned the singer’s ability to perform. The minister’s remarks shifted the atmosphere from musical celebration to confrontation, raising questions about professional expectations and how artists should be treated at public events.

Uniyal reportedly accused Mehndi of being intoxicated and questioned whether he was singing live or relying on lip-syncing, despite allegedly receiving Rs 35 lakh for the performance. However, the allegations regarding alcohol consumption have not been independently verified.

Defending his actions, the minister maintained that established artists should honour their professional commitments and deliver performances commensurate with their fees. He also questioned why the singer had accepted the assignment if he was unwell.

The incident soon drew reactions from prominent personalities in the entertainment industry. Mika Singh, Daler Mehndi’s brother, came to his defence, stating that the singer had undergone major surgery. He rejected the allegations of alcohol consumption and called for an apology from the minister.

Actors Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav, along with rapper Badshah and comedian Kapil Sharma, also criticised the minister’s public conduct, drawing attention to the singer’s reported health struggles and questioning the manner in which he was addressed.

The controversy escalated further when members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) reportedly wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressing concern over the alleged humiliation of the singer.

The episode has since sparked a wider debate about accountability, professional obligations and respect for performers. While questions about the quality of a performance may be legitimate, the incident has brought renewed attention to how such disagreements should be handled—whether through public confrontation or appropriate professional channels.