‘Was it necessary to humiliate him?’ Anupam Kher backs Daler Mehndi

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has come out in support of singer Daler Mehndi following the controversy surrounding his performance at a cultural event in Uttarakhand, questioning the decision to publicly reprimand the musician over his stage act. 

In a social media post, Kher criticised the manner in which Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal addressed the singer in front of the audience. He said Mehndi's decades-long contribution to the music industry warranted dignity and consideration, particularly as the singer has reportedly been dealing with health issues.

Kher also expressed regret over the incident, joining others from the film and music industries who have spoken out in support of the singer following the episode.

Anupam Kher questions minister's conduct towards Daler Mehndi

Sharing his reaction on Instagram, Kher said he had known Mehndi for years and was aware that the singer had not been keeping well. While acknowledging that the minister might have had concerns about the performance, the actor questioned whether those concerns needed to be raised publicly.

"I watched a video in which a minister was speaking to Daler Mehndi ji on stage. The way he spoke to him was deeply upsetting to see. I have known Daler ji for many years. I also know that he hasn’t been keeping well for some time now. Minister ji, you may have had complaints about his performance. You may even have been upset with him. But was it really necessary to go up on stage and humiliate him in front of everyone? Couldn’t the same thing have been said to him privately, with dignity and respect? (Mantri ji.....kya sabke saamne manch par jakar is tarah unhe apmanit karna zaruri tha?)," Kher wrote.

The actor further highlighted the singer's longstanding career, noting that Mehndi had entertained audiences for three to three-and-a-half decades. He maintained that the musician's work deserved appreciation rather than public humiliation.

"An artist spends an entire lifetime earning the recognition and respect that comes through years of hard work. For the past 30–35 years, Daler ji has brought joy to all of us through his songs. Surely, his contribution deserves some appreciation and respect. Daler ji, I have always known you as a kind-hearted person who spreads love. As far as I know you, you don’t even drink alcohol. I am deeply sorry that you had to go through something like this."

What happened during Daler Mehndi's Uttarakhand performance?

The controversy began after Mehndi performed at the cultural evening of the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand, on Sunday night.

During the event, Subodh Uniyal, a Cabinet minister and the MLA representing Narendra Nagar, reportedly expressed his displeasure with the singer's performance. A video of the exchange subsequently circulated on social media, drawing attention to the minister's remarks.

Uniyal alleged that Mehndi appeared disoriented during the performance and was lip-syncing. The minister also accused the singer of being under the influence of alcohol, prompting criticism and debate over the incident.

Mika Singh defends brother, cites health concerns

Singer Mika Singh also came to his brother's defence amid the controversy. In a video message shared on Tuesday, Mika said Mehndi had been unwell for the past two years and was still recovering from a recent operation.

Mika rejected the allegation that his brother had consumed alcohol, asserting that Mehndi did not drink. He also pointed out that the use of backing tracks was common among performers and questioned why his brother was being singled out.

“I know my brother Daler Mehndi, and he does not drink alcohol. He has been unwell for the past two years and is still recovering, yet he continues to perform with his band. These days, many performers use backing tracks, but nobody questions them in the same way,” Mika said.