Uttarakhand Minister Apologizes to Daler Mehndi After Performance Comments

UTTARAKHAND, Oct 26: Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal has issued an apology to singer Daler Mehndi after publicly questioning his condition during a performance at the Kunjapuri Devi Mela.

The apology, reportedly made during a phone call, followed Uniyal’s comments at the event on October 18, where he alleged that Daler was intoxicated and lip-syncing. These remarks sparked backlash, with many criticizing how the veteran artist was treated on stage.

Singer Mika Singh, who defended Daler, stated that his brother does not consume alcohol and had been unwell during the performance. He emphasized the need for respect towards senior artists and called for an apology after the incident.

Mika’s team welcomed Uniyal’s apology, expressing hope that the matter could be resolved. They stated, “We appreciate that Subodh Uniyal ji has apologised to Daler Mehndi paaji over a telephonic conversation regarding the unfortunate incident. Respecting artists and their dignity is extremely important.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami later reached out to both Daler and Mika to apologize on Uniyal’s behalf. Mika praised the Chief Minister’s handling of the situation, describing it as warm and humble, although he noted that Dhami did not need to apologize for the incident.

Following the Chief Minister’s outreach, Mika expressed that Daler did not wish to prolong the controversy, yet he maintained that respect for artists should remain a priority. The singer’s team expressed hope that all parties could move forward with “mutual respect and understanding,” allowing for healing and resolution after the incident.