Daler Mehndi controversy: Stars defend singer after Uttarakhand Minister’s on-stage rebuke, Sona Mohapatra weighs in

Was he unwell or just drunk? The questions on veteran singer Daler Mehndi being publicly upbraided by a minister during a show in Uttarakhand for a sub-par performance abound with many in the industry rallying behind him and at least one fellow artiste saying the audience deserved better.Actor Anupam Kher, stand-up comedian Vir Das and singers Shaan, Palash Sen, Gurdas Maan and Alisha Chinai were among those who said that Mehndi, who has three decades of singing behind him, is unwell, does not drink and should have been accorded more respect.Singer Sona Mohapatra, however, said a veteran should get "dignity, empathy and gratitude for a lifetime of contribution". The audience, she added, also deserves "an honest performance, or at the very least, an honest acknowledgement when that is no longer possible".On Sunday evening, the 59-year-old singer of hits such as "Tunak Tunak Tun", "Bolo Ta Ra" and "Ho Jayegi Balle Balle" was performing at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand's New Tehri town when state minister Subodh Uniyal stormed up to the stage and asked him loudly if he was drunk.Mehndi, dressed in his trademark ornate sherwani and bejewelled turban, considerably thinner than his previous public appearances and barely moving on stage, can be heard saying "sorry" in video clips that have since gone viral.It was a rare instance of an artist of such repute being called out mid-performance by organisers."Couple of days ago, I saw a video in which Daler Mehndi ji was singing on stage and some minister got up and spoke to him insultingly. I wasn't there so I don't know but I've known Daler ji for 25 to 30 years. 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," Kher said in a video on X on Wednesday."Nobody should speak to anybody like this and that also on a public forum. This is not fair. To publicly accuse someone like this is wrong. Daler ji I am so sorry," he said.Comedian Vir Das said his first international show was in Dubai for Mehndi's show."So not just music people, comedy people also have a lot to owe to this great man and this great artist. And he was humble, nice, supportive and amazing. Daler paaji, I hope you feel well in your corner. Thank you from a very young comedian," Das said on Instagram.Comedian-actor Rajpal Yadav, who starred alongside Mehndi in the recently-released movie "Welcome To The Jungle", released a video on Instagram, saying the minister should not have used "inauspicious words" for a person whose "voice has served the country and the world for decades"."Minister ji, this does not suit you. It seems as if you have bought art. Art can never be bought. Art is life, so respect life. And for your information, Daler paaji does not drink. I have also worked with him in 'Welcome to the Jungle'. He has not been keeping well. And everyone is trying to make him better," he said.Mehndi's brother, singer Mika Singh, on Tuesday confirmed that the artiste had undergone a major surgery and challenged anyone to prove that his elder brother ever touched alcohol.Though there has been speculation about Mehndi's health, the nature of his illness and surgery is not clear.Support for the singer has been pouring in, particularly after Mika backed his brother and took on detractors as well as the minister.Commenting on Mika's post, Shaan said, "Daler Paaji is the Original Rockstar!!!! He has shown the World how to Rock n Roar!!!"Maan, the popular Punjabi singer known for hit tracks such as "Dil Da Mamla Hai", "Challa" and "Ki Banu Duniya Da", shared a note on his Instagram Stories, describing Mehndi as an "iconic artist who has given so much to our music"."He has undergone a surgery and hasn't been keeping well. His recent performances also reflect that. Yet, he chose to honour his commitment to his fans."Every person deserves dignity, compassion and respect. Mehndi Saab, jeeyonde raho. Waheguru sabh nu chardi kala vich rakhe. (May you live long, Mehndi Saab. May Waheguru keep everyone in high spirits and bless them with strength and prosperity)," he said.Jassi, another Punjabi singer popular for "Dil Le Gayee", "Kudi Kudi", "Nishani Pyar Di" and "Laung Da Lashkara", backed Mehndi on his Instagram Stories."Daler bhajiii Sharab nai Peende bhraaaa (Brother Daler doesn't drink alcohol, bro!)"Chinai, the voice behind popular 1990s and 2000s tracks "Made in India", "Tinka Tinka" and "Kajra Re", said no one had the right to come on stage and insult Mehndi."Daler Mehndi Rocked your world with his Powerful n Infectious Music !!! He doesn't need to prove he can sing to anyone or seek any Validation... We all use Backing tracks n Minus one tracks on our Shows !! How dare anyone come onstage n insult him in this Manner !!!! It Speaks of Tasteless Behaviour n Reflects poorly of the Minister on the contrary !!! Daler paji we all love you," she said.Sen hailed Mehndi as a "legend, a pioneer, and the King of Bhangra" who brought joy and unforgettable music to millions across the globe."They see memes and headlines.. I see a man who has given his entire life, sweat, and soul to spreading happiness, uplifting culture, and serving through his art and philanthropy," he said on Instagram."Even legends can fall ill, but can't disappoint their fans by not showing up. You showed up and tried to do your best. People may mock, criticize, or judge, but no amount of noise can erase your legacy, your kindness, or the unshakeable dignity with which you carry yourself," he added.Mohapatra took a centrist approach to the controversy, recalling a past performance of Mehndi, which she said, was underwhelming."If someone is unwell, there must be compassion and a responsible way to handle the situation. What cannot become acceptable is for audiences and organisers to repeatedly bear the consequences while everyone around the artist looks away."I don't know whether the minister in Uttarakhand handled the situation appropriately. That is a separate question. But does the manner of his objection automatically invalidate the substance of the complaint? I ask this as a fellow performing artist, fully aware that I may be criticised for saying it," she wrote.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!