Singer Sona Mohapatra has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Daler Mehndi’s recent performance in Uttarakhand, raising questions about accountability in the music industry and the expectations of paying audiences. Recalling an earlier concert by the veteran singer in Delhi, Sona said artists deserve compassion and respect, but their professional responsibilities should not be overlooked.

In a lengthy note shared on Instagram, Sona described her experience of watching Daler perform at the Sufi Heritage Festival at Delhi’s Sunder Nursery on March 1, 2026. The singer, who had performed at the festival the previous evening, said she and her team had decided to stay back specifically to watch his set, which they expected to feature Sufi music.

However, she said the performance left them disappointed. According to Sona, Daler appeared disoriented, struggled to sustain notes and repeatedly returned to the same musical phrase. She also criticised the overall production, claiming that audience members began leaving the venue as the show progressed.

Sona said she felt particularly sorry for the organisers, who had put considerable time, money and effort into bringing an established performer to the festival. She added that she could not comment on whether Daler’s management or family knew about any difficulties he might have been experiencing before the show.

Reflecting on why she and her team had not spoken about the experience at the time, Sona questioned whether their silence had genuinely been an expression of respect or had allowed an issue to go unaddressed.

The singer was careful to clarify that she had no knowledge of Daler’s personal circumstances or health and was not attempting to diagnose the reasons behind what she witnessed. She also maintained that publicly embarrassing an artist was not the answer.

What happened during Daler Mehndi’s Uttarakhand performance?

Sona’s comments come days after Daler became embroiled in controversy following his appearance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district on October 18.

A video of the incident circulated widely on social media after state Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted the singer during his performance.

Uniyal alleged that Daler was under the influence of alcohol and questioned his ability to perform. The minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the show, arguing that the singer had failed to deliver the performance expected of him at the event. The allegations have not, in themselves, established that Daler had consumed alcohol.

The episode triggered a wider debate about the treatment of senior artists, the responsibilities of performers at public events and whether the minister’s decision to confront the singer on stage was appropriate.

Several members of the entertainment industry, including Mika Singh, Badshah, Harshdeep Kaur and Kapil Sharma, have expressed support for Daler following the incident. Some have pointed to a recent surgery and concerns about his health while criticising the public manner in which he was reprimanded.

Sona Mohapatra says audience expectations matter too

Addressing the reactions to the Uttarakhand incident, Sona said the discussion appeared to be centred largely on the way Daler had been treated, with less attention given to the expectations of the people who had paid to attend the show.

She argued that an artist’s reputation and years of contribution to music should not automatically place them beyond professional scrutiny. At the same time, she stressed that an artist facing health difficulties should be treated with understanding and that any concerns should be handled responsibly.

Sona also questioned whether criticism of the minister’s conduct should prevent people from examining the complaint itself. In her view, the manner in which an objection is raised and the issue being raised are two separate matters.

The singer acknowledged that speaking openly about another performer could invite criticism, particularly when the person concerned is a veteran with a long career. Nevertheless, she said those working in the industry should also reflect on their own reluctance to raise uncomfortable questions.

Concluding her note, Sona emphasised that respect between artists and audiences must work both ways. While senior performers deserve dignity for their contributions, she maintained that audiences should also be able to expect an honest performance or a transparent explanation when circumstances prevent one.

She said she was sharing her experience out of concern rather than hostility towards Daler, while expressing hope that the industry would give greater consideration to the people who support live music.