Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said he has spoken with Mehndi’s brother, Mika Singh, and that any “misunderstanding” can be resolved through dialogue, seeking to end the controversy over state minister Subodh Uniyal publicly reprimanding singer Daler Mehndi for his performance.
Mika had earlier demanded an apology from Uniyal and had urged Chief Minister Dhami to look into the matter.
Facing criticism for his conduct, Uniyal stated on Wednesday that the artist should have given prior notice about his illness and avoided performing.
In a post on X, Dhami wrote, “Today, I had a telephonic conversation with the renowned singer Mika Singh. While discussing matters concerning Daler Mehndi, I emphasised that any misunderstandings should be resolved through mutual dialogue and cordiality.”
He added that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand upholds a great tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (treating guests as divine).
“Artists are always welcomed and respected here with open hearts,” the Chief Minister added.
Speaking earlier at a local press conference, Dhami stated that the state respects all artists, adding that he plans to speak with Mehndi and Mika Singh, whom he referred to as “good friends”.
“I believe the minister must have been under pressure from the public at that time. The minister himself has stated that he was unaware that Daler Mehndi was unwell,” he said
“Uttarakhand is a land of artists, where everyone is treated with respect. I feel this matter should be put to rest here. I will speak with Mika and Daler Mehndi; both are good friends of mine,” he said.
On Sunday night, Minister Uniyal took to the stage to express his displeasure while Mehndi was performing at the ‘Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair’, a cultural event organised by the Uttarakhand government in Narendra Nagar, New Tehri.
In a video of the incident that went viral on social media, Uniyal is heard asking Mehndi if he was drunk, as he was not able to speak properly.
The 59-year-old singer, known for hits such as Tunak Tunak Tun, Bolo Ta Ra, and Ho Jayegi Balle Balle, was heard saying “sorry”.
Artists from Bollywood came out in support of Mehndi after the incident.
In an X post, the singer said the minister should be grateful to Mehndi for agreeing to perform at the event after another artist, Sunanda Sharma, fell ill.
He said it was painful to see Mehndi being accused of being drunk while performing on stage.
“If there has been any mistake on your part, you should acknowledge your mistake and apologise to Daler Mehndi ji. Minister ji, there are many important tasks to serve the public,” he wrote.
On his part, Uniyal on Wednesday said the singer should have informed in advance that he was unwell and should not have come to perform.
The minister told PTI on Wednesday, “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.”
He 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.”
Uniyal said he later learnt that Mehndi was unable to talk because he was unwell.