Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to Daler Mehndi on Friday, saying his government aims to move past the recent “sequence of events” through mutual dialogue, harmony and positivity.
Dhami also emphasised that Uttarakhand has always welcomed and respected art, culture and artistes.
His remarks follow an incident on Sunday in which state cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal publicly reprimanded Mehndi while the singer was performing on stage. The incident prompted calls for Uniyal to apologise and for Dhami to intervene.
In a post on X, Dhami said he had called Mehndi to check on his well-being and discuss the recent developments. He wrote, “Had a phone conversation with the renowned singer Shri @dalermehndiji to inquire about his well-being. During this, there was also a discussion regarding the recent events that took place.”
“Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the carrier of the rich tradition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ [Guest is God]. Our folk culture, warm hospitality, and the spirit of harmony are the unique identity of Devbhoomi. Art, culture, and artists have always been welcomed and honored here. Our effort is to leave this incident behind and move forward with mutual dialogue, harmony, and a spirit of positivity.” he added.
Mehndi, best known for songs 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 New Tehri on Sunday night when Uttarakhand Cabinet minister and Narendra Nagar MLA Subodh Uniyal interrupted him.
Uniyal reportedly walked onto the stage, halted the performance and alleged that the singer was intoxicated. The claim could not be independently verified.
A video of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Mehndi appearing bewildered as the minister reprimands him. “Why are you making a fool of the people? Are you drunk? You can’t even speak, so how are you going to sing?” Uniyal is heard asking in the clip.
Responding to the criticism, Uniyal said Mehndi should have informed the organisers if he was unwell. He also alleged that the singer was lip-syncing and said he faced pressure from people to question the performance in his capacity as a public representative on the event’s organising committee.
Mika told PTI on Friday that Daler Mehndi was grateful for the support he received. He said Dhami called him, apologised for the incident and assured him that Uttarakhand respects artists and would welcome his brother back.
Mika also said he was scared when he first spoke out against the minister’s treatment of his brother, adding that Mehndi had attended the event as a guest and the incident had affected his image. He said his brother now wants to put the matter behind him.
“You (the minister) made him into a drunkard. People across the world are writing that he was drunk and couldn't even speak... The minister is senior to me so I will just say that whenever you call somebody to your city, support them,” he said.