'Always respected': Uttarakhand CM Dhami calls Daler Mehndi days after on-stage row

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday spoke with singer Daler Mehndi over the phone, days after a controversy erupted over a cabinet minister reprimanding the singer on stage during an event.According to the CMO, Dhami inquired about Mehndi's well-being and told the artiste that Uttarakhand upholds the rich tradition of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'."Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke with singer Daler Mehndi over the phone to inquire about his well-being. During the conversation, the chief minister also discussed the events of the past few days. The chief minister stated that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand upholds the rich tradition of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'," the Uttarakhand chief minister's office said."He emphasised that folk culture, warm hospitality, and a spirit of harmony form the distinct identity of Devbhoomi, where art, culture, and artists have always been welcomed and respected," it added.The controversy erupted after Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal went on stage and expressed displeasure while Mehndi was performing at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair, a cultural event organised by the Uttarakhand government at Narendra Nagar in the New Tehri area on Sunday night.The minister, however, defended his decision to reprimand Mehndi on stage, saying the artiste should not have performed if he was unwell."Daler Mehndi, being a big name, was invited to the Kunjapuri Fair. But during the performance, it became apparent that he was only lip-syncing and not singing. I, being a local representative and also associated with the organising committee, felt the pressure from people who wanted this to be questioned," Uniyal said."Mehndi was not able to speak or walk. At that point, I thought he was under the influence of some substance. I don't know what, because a medical examination was not conducted," he added.Meanwhile, several people from the entertainment industry, including actor Anupam Kher, stand-up comedian Vir Das and singers Shaan, Palash Sen, Gurdas Maan and Alisha Chinai, came out in support of Mehndi. They said the artiste, who has been singing for three decades, was unwell, did not drink and should have been treated with greater respect."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.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.