Anupam Kher backs Daler Mehndi after minister criticizes singer

Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi received public backing from veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher after Uttarakhand Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal publicly reprimanded the musician during a cultural event in Tehri Garhwal, accusing him of performing under the influence of alcohol.

Public Clash at Maa Kunjapuri Mela Sparks Backlash

The controversy unfolded during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair during Navratri celebrations. Uttarakhand Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal walked onto the stage while Daler Mehndi was performing, openly criticising the singer’s rendition and questioning whether he had consumed alcohol before the show, hindustantimes.com reported. The minister also challenged whether the artist was actually singing live or merely lip-syncing to a recorded track. Following the incident, video footage of the public confrontation circulated widely online, drawing immediate pushback from several high-profile figures in the Indian entertainment industry.

Celebrity Defenses and Industry Support

Daler Mehndi’s younger brother and fellow singer Mika Singh, alongside comedian Kapil Sharma and rapper Badshah, quickly came forward to support the musician on digital platforms. Anupam Kher added his voice to the growing defense on Wednesday through an Instagram video recorded while he was abroad. Having known Daler for nearly three decades, Kher vouched for the singer’s personal character and professional integrity. I can say he doesn’t drink and he’s one of the finest human beings, Kher stated, noting that he shares a common doctor friend with the musician.

Addressing rumors regarding Daler’s health and stage presence, Kher revealed that the singer has been quietly battling health complications for the past two to three years. The actor suggested that rather than pulling out of the engagement, Daler chose to push through his physical struggles simply to honour prior commitments made to the event organisers. Maybe he did lip-sync, but nobody should speak to anyone like that. That too on a public forum, it’s not fair, Kher added, urging industry peers to speak out rather than leaving the defense entirely to Mika Singh.

Subodh Uniyal Justifies Actions over Performance Value

In the aftermath of the viral confrontation, Subodh Uniyal defended his actions to the media, asserting that the state administration had paid the performer ₹35 lakh in addition to covering comprehensive travel and accommodation expenses. The minister maintained that the compensation warranted a higher standard of performance, claiming the singer appeared disoriented on stage and failed to deliver adequate value for the public funds spent.

Kher countered this administrative stance by arguing that any grievances concerning the quality of a performance should be handled away from the public eye. Mr. Minister, you may have a complaint with his presentation. There can be anger as well. But was it necessary to go on stage and insult them like this? Kher wrote in his social media caption, emphasizing that Daler Mehndi has spent 35 years building a respected career and entertaining audiences.

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