Daler Mehndi Row: Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal Stands Firm Amid Fierce Industry Backlash

The Bollywood music scene has been gripped by a burgeoning controversy following an incident on Sunday, October 18, 2026, when Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal publicly admonished celebrated Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi during a performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri. The minister's actions have sparked a heated debate across social media and the entertainment industry, with many artists rallying in support of Mehndi. Singer Daler Mehndi Confronted by Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal Over Alleged Intoxication at Navratri Event.

The Uttarakhand Incident: What Transpired Onstage

The public confrontation occurred when Daler Mehndi, the 59-year-old singing icon known for hits like "Tunak Tunak Tun", was performing at the cultural event. Videos that quickly went viral captured Minister Subodh Uniyal, aged 66, walking onto the stage and confronting Mehndi, accusing him of being unable to sing properly and alleging intoxication.

"Itna paise de kar humne aapko bulaya hai. Aap bewakoof bana rahe hai hume (We've paid you so much money to be here, and you're making fools of us)," Uniyal was heard saying, adding, "Bola toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge (You can't even speak. How will you sing)?" The minister also reportedly claimed that Mehndi had been paid a substantial ₹35 lakh for the performance. Further allegations of lip-syncing during the show have also surfaced.

Minister Uniyal's Stance and Industry Reactions

In the wake of the uproar, Subodh Uniyal, who serves as the Parliamentary Affairs and Forest Minister of Uttarakhand, has remained unyielding in his defence. He stated that his intention was not to cause harm, but rather to ensure the quality of the performance for the audience. Uniyal argued that if Daler Mehndi was unwell, he should have informed the organisers beforehand and refrained from performing.

Subodh Uniyal Defends His Remarks Against Daler Mehndi

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the entertainment fraternity. Daler Mehndi's brother, singer Mika Singh, has come out strongly in his defence, refuting the allegations of intoxication and demanding a public apology from Minister Uniyal. Mika stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Daler Mehndi "does not drink alcohol, and making such allegations against him is completely wrong. I believe an apology is due." He further revealed that his brother has been battling health issues for the past two to three years and recently underwent surgery. Mika has also challenged the minister to produce receipts for the claimed INR 35 lakh payment.

Several prominent figures from Bollywood, including Anupam Kher, Shaan, Palash Sen, Gurdas Maan, Alisha Chinai, and Vir Das, have expressed solidarity with Daler Mehndi, emphasising his professional integrity and health condition. Actor Anupam Kher stated, "I know that he does not drink and he is one of the finest human beings that I have met. I personally know that he has not been keeping well for two-three years." The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has also weighed in, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for a sensitive handling of such matters, highlighting Mehndi's health and contributions to music. ‘Singh Is King’: Rakhi Sawant Supports Daler Mehndi Amid Uttarakhand Performance Row.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has indicated that he will engage in discussions with both Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi to help resolve the escalating controversy, acknowledging the public pressure Uniyal faced at the time of the incident.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2026 05:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).