New Delhi/Dehradun, Oct 21 The controversy over veteran singer Daler Mehndi being publicly upbraided by a minister during a show in Uttarakhand for a sub-par performance escalated on Wednesday with the state Congress adding its voice to the chorus of disapproval and demanding a public apology from the BJP leader.
As Subodh Uniyal, Uttarakhand’s minister for forests, stood his ground, saying the singer was under the “influence of some substances”, support for Mehndi came in plenty from the industry.
Was he unwell or just drunk? The questions abounded with many rallying behind Mehndi and at least one fellow artiste saying the audience deserved better.
Actor Anupam Kher, stand-up comedian Vir Das and singers Shaan, Palash Sen, Gurdas Maan and Alisha Chinai were among those who said that Mehndi, who has three decades of singing behind him, is unwell, does not drink and should have been accorded more respect.
On Sunday evening, the 59-year-old singer of hits such as “Tunak Tunak Tun”, “Bolo Ta Ra” and “Ho Jayegi Balle Balle” was performing at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand’s New Tehri town when Uniyal stormed up to the stage and asked him loudly if he was drunk.
Mehndi, dressed in his trademark ornate sherwani and bejewelled turban, considerably thinner than his previous public appearances and barely moving on stage, can be heard saying “sorry” in video clips that have since gone viral.
It was a rare instance of an artist of such repute being called out mid-performance by organisers.
The debate has taken on political overtones.
Amarjit Singh, general secretary of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee demanded that Uniyal must apologise publicly for the way entire episode was handled.
“The treatment meted out to Mehndi… is deeply unfortunate and runs counter to Uttarakhand’s glorious tradition of hospitality,” said Singh.
Uniyal doubled down on what he had said on stage.
He told PTI that Mehndi had been invited because of his name and reputation as a singer but he was only lip-syncing.
“… I felt that he was under the influence of some substances. Now what did those substances did to him, I don’t know. If such a huge artist is not feeling well, then he should tell this to the public that ‘I’m not well.’ He should have declined to perform at the event,” Uniyal said.
According to the minister, Mehndi charged Rs 35 lakh for the performance.
“We never wanted to upset him. If he has been hurt, that was not my intention.”
Singer Sona Mohapatra was in agreement.
A veteran artiste, she said, should get “dignity, empathy and gratitude for a lifetime of contribution”. But the audience, she added, also deserves “an honest performance, or at the very least, an honest acknowledgement when that is no longer possible”.
Besides, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, saying it appreciated the importance of maintaining “proper conduct” but stressed on addressing such issues with “sensitivity and discretion rather than public reprimand”.
Anupam Kher said he had known Mehndi for 25 to 30 years and knows that he does not drink. “I personally know that he has not been keeping well for two-three years,” Kher said in a video on X on Wednesday.
“Nobody should speak to anybody like this and that also on a public forum. This is not fair. To publicly accuse someone like this is wrong. Daler ji I am so sorry,” he said.
Comedian Vir Das said his first international show was in Dubai for Mehndi’s show.
“… he was humble, nice, supportive and amazing. Daler paaji, I hope you feel well in your corner. Thank you from a very young comedian,” Das said on Instagram.
Comedian-actor Rajpal Yadav, who starred alongside Mehndi in the recent film “Welcome To The Jungle”, said on Instagram that the minister should not have used “inauspicious words” for an artiste like Mehndi.
“Minister ji, this does not suit you. It seems as if you have bought art. Art can never be bought. Art is life, so respect life. And for your information, Daler paaji does not drink. I have also worked with him in ‘Welcome to the Jungle’. He has not been keeping well. And everyone is trying to make him better,” he said.
Singer Mika Singh, on Tuesday confirmed that the artiste had undergone a major surgery and challenged anyone to prove that his elder brother ever touched alcohol.
Though there has been speculation about Mehndi’s health, the nature of his illness and surgery is not clear.
Commenting on Mika’s post, Shaan said, “Daler Paaji is the Original Rockstar!!!! He has shown the World how to Rock n Roar!!!”
Maan shared a note on his Instagram Stories and said, “He has undergone a surgery and hasn’t been keeping well. His recent performances also reflect that. Yet, he chose to honour his commitment to his fans.
Jassi, another Punjabi singer popular for “Dil Le Gayee” and “Kudi Kudi”, backed Mehndi on his Instagram Stories.
“Daler bhajiii Sharab nai Peende bhraaaa (Brother Daler doesn’t drink alcohol, bro!)”
Chinai, the voice behind popular 1990s and 2000s tracks “Made in India” and “Kajra Re”, said no one had the right to come on stage and insult Mehndi.
“Daler Mehndi Rocked your world with his Powerful n Infectious Music !!! He doesn’t need to prove he can sing to anyone or seek any Validation… We all use Backing tracks n Minus one tracks on our Shows !! How dare anyone come onstage n insult him in this Manner !!!! It Speaks of Tasteless Behaviour n Reflects poorly of the Minister on the contrary !!! Daler paji we all love you,” she said.
Sen hailed Mehndi as a “legend, a pioneer, and the King of Bhangra” who brought joy and unforgettable music to millions across the globe.
“They see memes and headlines.. I see a man who has given his entire life, sweat, and soul to spreading happiness, uplifting culture, and serving through his art and philanthropy,” he said on Instagram.
“Even legends can fall ill, but can’t disappoint their fans by not showing up. You showed up and tried to do your best,” he added.
Mohapatra took a centrist approach to the controversy, recalling a past performance of Mehndi, which she said, was underwhelming.
“If someone is unwell, there must be compassion and a responsible way to handle the situation. What cannot become acceptable is for audiences and organisers to repeatedly bear the consequences while everyone around the artist looks away,” she wrote on X.
(PTI News)
