Singer Mika Singh has demanded an apology from Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal over the public reprimand of his elder brother, Daler Mehndi, during a cultural event in Tehri Garhwal. The controversy has also prompted the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, seeking their intervention. 

The dispute erupted during Daler Mehndi's performance at the Maa Kunjapuri Mela, where Uniyal questioned the singer's condition and performance on stage. Mika has rejected allegations that his brother was under the influence of alcohol, while members of the entertainment industry have expressed solidarity with the veteran singer.

Mika Singh challenges Uttarakhand minister, seeks apology

Mika took to social media to defend his brother, arguing that the allegations against him were unfounded and that the manner in which he was treated at the event warranted an apology.

In a post on X, Mika wrote, "My point is simple: Daler Mehndi ji does not drink alcohol, and making such allegations against him is completely wrong. I believe an apology is due." He also called on the person responsible to acknowledge the mistake and apologise for the treatment meted out to the singer.

In another post addressed to the minister, Mika offered to perform at an event in Uttarakhand without charging a fee, provided an apology was issued to Daler Mehndi.

He wrote, “Alright, sir, I'll come to Uttarakhand and perform a completely free show for you. But before that, please tell your minister to apologize to Daler Mehndi ji.

Daler paaji had given a full 1 hour 30 minute performance, and many people present there were dancing along with him. Despite that, he was accused of performing while drunk.

Sir, I'm sending you the video. You can see for yourself what happened there. If your minister is seen arriving drunk in the video, then what action will you take against him?

Sir, I have a direct question for you—shouldn't rules and accountability be equal for everyone? “

Mika questions reported Rs 35 lakh payment

The singer also sought clarification over reports that Daler Mehndi had received Rs 35 lakh for his performance at the event.

Tagging Uniyal in a subsequent post, Mika asked the authorities to disclose details of the reported payment, including the mode of transaction, and make the relevant receipts available publicly.

"Sir, aapne Rs 35 lakh cash mein diye the ya cheque se? Agar aapke paas payment ki receipts hain, toh please public ke saamne share kijiye, taaki sabko sach pata chal sake. Thank you!" he wrote.

Mika had previously addressed criticism of his brother's stage performance, revealing that Daler had been dealing with health issues for the past two years. In a video message posted on Instagram, he said the singer had recently undergone an operation and was still recovering.

Mika questioned the criticism directed at Daler for continuing to perform with his band during his recovery.

FWICE writes to PM Modi, Pushkar Singh Dhami

The controversy has also drawn a response from FWICE, which wrote to Modi and Dhami on October 21, expressing concern over the incident and the public treatment of the singer.

In its letter, the federation referred to the episode at the Maa Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri Garhwal, a religious and community event associated with Navratri. It said concerns about an artist's health or performance should be addressed privately and with sensitivity rather than through a public confrontation.

The letter stated, "While we believe that the smooth functioning of public events is essential, such concerns should be addressed calmly and sensibly rather than publicly reprimanding him."

FWICE also said it understood that Daler Mehndi did not consume alcohol and was recovering from health problems and recent surgery. The organisation urged public representatives to exercise caution before reaching conclusions about an artist's condition.

"The entire entertainment fraternity has been hurt by the public humiliation of such a senior artiste," the letter read.

The federation requested the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to take note of the matter and advise public representatives to treat artists with greater sensitivity and professionalism.

What happened at the Maa Kunjapuri Mela?

The row began when Daler Mehndi performed at the Maa Kunjapuri Mela in Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district. During the performance, Uniyal reportedly questioned the singer's conduct on stage, alleging that he appeared disoriented and was lip-syncing rather than singing live.

According to FWICE's letter, the minister went on stage and reprimanded the singer over concerns about his physical condition, his ability to speak or stand properly, and whether he was performing live.

The incident subsequently triggered criticism from sections of the entertainment industry, with several prominent personalities voicing support for Daler Mehndi. Actors Anupam Kher, Kapil Sharma and Rajpal Yadav, along with singers Badshah and Shaan, were among those who rallied behind him.