Daler Mehndi faces backlash over Uttarakhand show: Mika Singh, Kapil Sharma defend singer

A performance by Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi at a religious and cultural fair in Uttarakhand has triggered a public dispute, with a cabinet minister questioning the quality of his act and alleging that the singer appeared intoxicated. The controversy has since drawn support for the veteran performer from his younger brother Mika Singh, comedian Kapil Sharma and several other celebrities.

The incident took place on Sunday night during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri. A video showing Cabinet minister and Narendra Nagar MLA Subodh Uniyal confronting Mehndi on stage circulated widely on social media on Monday, prompting questions about the performance and the allegations made against the singer. 

The dispute centres on whether Mehndi was singing live or relying on a backing track. Uniyal reportedly expressed displeasure with the performance, saying that audiences had gathered to hear the singer and that the occasion called for an appropriate standard of performance. He also invoked the religious significance of Navratri and the need to maintain the decorum of the event.

The minister questioned Mehndi's ability to sing when, in his view, the singer was struggling to speak properly. The exchange created an uncomfortable moment on stage. Uniyal also alleged that Mehndi was under the influence of alcohol, but the claim has not been independently established.

Mika Singh challenges allegations against brother

Mika Singh has strongly defended his elder brother, urging media organisations to verify claims before reporting them as facts. In a video message shared on Instagram, he criticised the manner in which Mehndi was addressed on stage and questioned whether the singer had been given a fair opportunity to respond.

“A special request to our media friends: Please verify the facts before publishing any news! If someone makes allegations without proof, please don’t believe them blindly or spread the news without checking the truth. The way Daler Mehndi was treated on stage was disappointing. A respected minister came on stage and made allegations about him drinking alcohol. But before publishing such claims, shouldn’t we verify the facts and give the artist a chance to present his side? Would anyone dare to behave like that with an international band like Coldplay?” Mika said in a strong-worded statement.

Mika also addressed speculation about his brother's health, saying Mehndi had been unwell for two years and was still recovering. He revealed that the singer had recently undergone an operation and said he continued to honour performance commitments despite his health challenges.

“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,” he added.

In a separate video posted on Tuesday, Mika challenged anyone making the allegation to provide evidence that his brother consumes alcohol. He also explained that performers sometimes continue with scheduled shows despite being ill because they have already committed to them.

“Have you ever seen a glass of alcohol in his hand, or seen alcohol flowing freely at his birthday parties? No, you have not. Jab aapne dekha hi nahi, toh aapne kaise keh diya unse khada nahi hua jaa raha. Hum artists kayin baar kisi ke kehne par haan kar dete hain 'yes we will do the show' Even if we have 104 degree fever, it doesn't matter. If I am sick, and I have a show day after tomorrow, and I have already committed, then even if the budget is big or small, I will do it. Inhone (Daler) bhi aisa hi kiya hoga.”

Mika said he would give up singing if anyone could prove that his elder brother drinks alcohol.

Kapil Sharma appeals for kindness

Kapil Sharma also came out in support of Mehndi, pointing to the singer's recent medical treatment and calling for greater compassion towards people whose personal circumstances may not be publicly known.

The comedian and host of ‘The Great Kapil Sharma Show’ shared a message on Instagram Stories, saying that Mehndi had undergone serious surgery. He also thanked Mika for speaking out in his brother's defence.

“@thedalermehendiofficial paaji went through some serious surgery which people don't know. All we need is to be little kinder towards other. We don't know what someone is going through. (sic)”

Kapil added: “Thank you @m ikasingh paaji for the clarification. May god bless Daler paaji (halo and folded hands emojis) we love you Daler paaji (Red heart and folded hands emoticons) (sic),” the ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon’ actor added.

Several other entertainment industry figures also expressed support for Mehndi in the comments section of Mika's post. Singers Shaan, Harshdeep Kaur and Ali Chinai, along with actors Neil Nitin Mukesh, Rahul Dev and Suniel Shetty, and singer Suyyash Rai, were among those who reacted.

The confrontation has also brought attention to the circumstances surrounding Mehndi's appearance at the fair. Uniyal's objections focused on the nature of the performance and whether the audience was receiving the live act it had expected. The minister also said that Rs 35 lakh had been paid for the performance.