Senior Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has come out in support of Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal publicly confronted the singer during a performance, prompting several Indian artists to raise concerns over the treatment of performers.
Kher questioned the minister’s conduct, saying that while an artist’s performance can be criticised, publicly humiliating or making allegations against a performer is inappropriate.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Kher said he had known Mehndi for nearly 30 years and was familiar with his character. He claimed that the singer does not drink alcohol and described him as a good person.
Kher also said Mehndi had been facing health issues for the past two to three years and suggested that the singer may have attended the event despite being unwell to honour a prior professional commitment.
Controversy Erupts During Uttarakhand Performance
The controversy began during the Maa Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, where Uniyal went on stage during Mehndi’s performance.
According to reports, the minister accused the singer of performing after consuming alcohol and questioned whether he was singing live or using a recorded track.
A video of the incident subsequently circulated widely on social media, prompting several members of the entertainment industry to speak in Mehndi’s support.
Kher said that even if Mehndi had performed using a recorded voice, it would not justify addressing him in a manner that publicly embarrassed him. He questioned why any concerns about the performance could not have been raised privately.
Artists Rally Behind Daler Mehndi
Mehndi’s brother Mika Singh also defended him, saying he would quit singing if the allegation that Daler Mehndi had consumed alcohol before performing was proven.
Comedian and television host Kapil Sharma and singer-rapper Badshah have also expressed support for Mehndi. Actor and comedian Vir Das indirectly backed the singer as well, describing him as one of the kindest artists he has worked with.
Kher urged others in the entertainment industry to stand up for Mehndi rather than leaving the responsibility of defending him solely to his brother.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the incident.
The organisation said that if there are concerns about an artist’s health or performance, they should be addressed respectfully and professionally rather than through a public reprimand.
FWICE also expressed concern over Mehndi being stopped on stage and having his performance publicly questioned, calling for greater respect and dignity for members of the artist community.