Daler Mehndi Row: CM Dhami Speaks to Mika Singh, Says Dispute Can Be Amicably Resolved

DEHRADUN, Oct 22: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday sought to defuse the controversy surrounding state minister Subodh Uniyal’s public reprimand of singer Daler Mehndi, saying he had spoken to the artiste’s brother, Mika Singh, and that the matter could be settled through dialogue.

The development came a day after Mika Singh called for an apology from Uniyal and appealed to Dhami to intervene in the matter. The dispute arose after the minister questioned Mehndi’s condition while the singer was performing at a government-organised cultural event in New Tehri.

In a post on X, Dhami said he had held a telephonic conversation with Mika Singh and discussed the issue involving his brother. He emphasised that any misunderstanding should be addressed through mutual dialogue and cordiality.

The chief minister also highlighted Uttarakhand’s tradition of Atithi Devo Bhava, which means treating guests as divine.

“Artists are always welcomed and respected here with open hearts,” Dhami said, reiterating that the state values performers and their contributions to cultural events.

Earlier, addressing a press conference, the chief minister said he would also speak to Daler Mehndi and described both brothers as his friends. He suggested that the minister might have been responding to public pressure and was unaware that the singer was unwell.

Dhami expressed hope that the matter would end amicably, stressing that Uttarakhand has a rich artistic tradition and that everyone should be treated with dignity.

The controversy began on Sunday night during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair at Narendra Nagar in the New Tehri area. Uniyal went on stage while Mehndi was performing and questioned his ability to sing properly.

A video of the incident subsequently went viral on social media. In the footage, the minister can be heard asking the singer whether he was drunk because he appeared unable to speak clearly. Mehndi, 59, responded by saying “sorry”.

The incident triggered criticism from several members of the entertainment industry, who argued that performers should be treated respectfully, particularly when their health may be affecting their performance.

Mika Singh, in his statement on Thursday, said it was painful to see his brother being accused of being intoxicated while performing. He maintained that Uniyal should acknowledge his mistake and apologise.

Mika also pointed out that Daler Mehndi had agreed to perform at the fair after another singer, Sunanda Sharma, fell ill. He said the minister should appreciate the singer’s willingness to step in rather than publicly question his conduct.

Appealing directly to Dhami, Mika said he and his family loved Uttarakhand and its people but insisted that artistes deserved dignity and respect.

Uniyal, meanwhile, defended his reaction on Wednesday, saying he had been concerned about complaints from people attending the event. According to the minister, Mehndi appeared to be lip-syncing rather than singing and was struggling to speak and walk.

Uniyal said he initially suspected that the singer might be under the influence of a substance, although no medical examination had been conducted at the time. He added that he later learned Mehndi had been unwell.

The minister also argued that the singer should have informed the organisers about his health condition beforehand if he was unable to perform.

With Dhami now intervening and proposing direct discussions with both singers, the state government appears keen to bring the dispute to a close while reaffirming its commitment to respecting artistes and cultural traditions.