Daler Mehndi Rebuked By Politician At Uttarakhand Event; Anupam Kher, Mika, Kapil Sharma Offer Support

Written By: Entertainment Desk

Oct 21, 2026 15:53 IST ⓘ

Daler Mehndi was recently publicly humiliated during a live performance.

Veteran singer Daler Mehndi has received backing from several celebrities after a video of his interaction with Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal at a cultural programme sparked online controversy. Kapil Sharma, Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav, Jasmine Bhasin, Aly Goni, and other members of the entertainment industry have spoken out in support of the singer, with many raising concerns about how artists should be treated in public. The incident took place during Daler Mehndi’s live performance at an event in Uttarakhand.

In the video circulating on social media, Uniyal questioned whether the singer was performing live or using a pre-recorded track. The minister also questioned Daler Mehndi’s ability to sing, leading to an uncomfortable exchange on stage.

A video from the Kunjapuri Mela in Narendranagar, Tehri Garhwal, is drawing attention, showing Cabinet Minister and local MLA Subodh Uniyal objecting on stage during a performance by Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi. In the video, Uniyal can be heard telling him, “Bol toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge?”
— Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) October 19, 2026

The footage subsequently gained traction online, prompting reactions from personalities across the music, television and film industries. While some celebrities have focused on the importance of respecting performers, others have highlighted the need for sensitivity when an artist may be dealing with personal or health-related difficulties.

Kapil Sharma was among those who publicly expressed support for Daler Mehndi. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the comedian said the singer had undergone a significant surgical procedure, a detail he suggested many people might not know. “Daler paji went through some serious surgery, which people don’t know. All we need to do is to be kinder towards others…We don’t know what someone is going through,” Kapil wrote.

Television actor Jasmine Bhasin also reacted to the controversy, questioning the decision to address concerns about a performer in front of an audience.

In her Instagram post, Bhasin argued that organisers who have reservations about an artist’s performance should attempt to resolve the matter privately. If the issue cannot be settled, she said, cancelling the programme would be preferable to publicly embarrassing the performer. She also objected to speculation about Mehndi’s condition, stressing that assumptions about whether an artist was under the influence of alcohol should not be made without knowing the facts.

Aly Goni echoed the sentiment, describing Daler Mehndi as more than just a singer. In his message, the actor referred to the veteran performer as an enduring part of the music industry and said watching an artist of his stature being humiliated, particularly when unwell, was upsetting.

“Power may earn you a position, but respect is earned through humanity. Respect our legends while they are still among us,” Goni wrote.

Singers Shaan, Palash Sen, Badshah, and Bollywood actors Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav are among the industry personalities who have voiced support for Daler Mehndi. His brother, singer Mika Singh, also reacted to the episode as well.

Amid the growing discussion, Uniyal defended his position in an interview with The Indian Express on Tuesday. The minister said Daler Mehndi should not have accepted the invitation if he was not physically fit to perform.

Uniyal also pointed to the arrangements made for the programme, including payments, first-class air tickets for several people and hotel bookings. He argued that the singer had a responsibility to ensure he could fulfil his commitment and maintain the standards expected of an established performer.

"If he was not physically fit, he should not have come to the programme. He should not have committed in the first place. You are making a fool of yourself (by performing) if you are not physically fit. If you cannot speak properly, you should not have come. He should have maintained the dignity that is expected of a great artist. Just because you are an artist does not mean you should think people are fools… The money had been paid, first-class tickets had been booked for several people, and hotels had been arranged," he told the Indian Express.

Despite the widespread reactions, Daler Mehndi has not issued an official statement addressing the incident at the time of writing.