After Accusation Of Being Drunk During A Show, Daler Gets Backing From Famous Friends

MUMBAI- Singers Mika Singh and Palash Sen, along with comedian-actor Kapil Sharma, have come out in support of Daler Mehndi after a video of Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal reprimanding the singer during a performance at the Kunjapuri Fair went viral on social media.

The controversy erupted on October 18 when Uniyal interrupted Daler Mehndi’s performance at the fair in Tehri district, held as part of the Navratri celebrations. The minister alleged that the singer had taken the stage after consuming alcohol and questioned his ability to perform.

“Bol toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge?” (You can’t even speak properly, so how will you sing?), Uniyal asked, expressing disappointment over what he described as a lack of decorum at an event held in honor of Goddess Durga. He also said the singer had been invited at considerable expense to entertain the audience.

Daler Mehndi responded, “Sir, I request you with folded hands…please leave the stage.”

Coming to his elder brother’s defense, Mika Singh challenged anyone to prove that Daler Mehndi drinks alcohol, saying he would quit singing if the allegation was established.

In a video shared on social media, Mika questioned how people could conclude that his brother was intoxicated without having seen him drink. He said artists sometimes honor performance commitments even when unwell, adding that Daler Mehndi might have done the same.

Mika also said his brother had been unwell for the past two years and was still recovering, yet continued to perform with his band. In his accompanying caption, he urged the media to verify allegations before publishing them, warning that headlines could damage an artist’s reputation.

Singer Palash Sen also expressed solidarity with Daler Mehndi, describing him as a brother and a legendary artist who had dedicated his life to spreading happiness through music and philanthropy.

In a note shared on Instagram, Sen said people were quick to judge the singer based on headlines and social media posts without considering what he might be going through. He maintained that Daler Mehndi did not drink alcohol, writing, “Never did. Never will.”

Sen urged people to respond with compassion rather than mockery, adding that criticism could not erase the singer’s legacy or contributions.

Kapil Sharma also backed Daler Mehndi, revealing that the singer had undergone serious surgery, something he said people were unaware of.

Kapil Sharma urged people to be kinder to one another, pointing out that they often did not know what others were going through. He also thanked Mika Singh for clarifying the allegations and standing up for his brother. (IANS)