Daler Mehndi thanks fans for support after Uttarakhand event controversy
The singer expressed gratitude to his family and the entertainment industry following a performance dispute in New Tehri.
Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has released a statement on Instagram thanking fans and family for their support following a controversy during a performance in Uttarakhand. The singer addressed the incident while extending Diwali wishes on Sunday.
The controversy occurred on October 18 during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri. According to Hindustan Times, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted the performance to criticise the singer's conduct and alleged that Mehndi was intoxicated.
Minister Uniyal told ANI that the singer appeared disoriented and was only lip-syncing despite being offered Rs 35 lakh to perform. The minister remarked, “You cannot even speak, so how are you going to sing?”, suggesting the artist was not doing justice to his art.
In his social media post, Mehndi said the recent experience touched him in a way that is difficult to put into words. He specifically mentioned his brother, singer Mika Singh, stating, “My brother Mika stood up for me like a force to reckon with.”
Mika Singh had previously criticised the minister and stated that Daler Mehndi was unwell during the performance. He also noted that his brother does not consume alcohol.
Mehndi concluded his note by saying he felt fortunate to have experienced such love and that he will never forget the kindness shown to him by the entertainment industry and his fans.