Daler Mehndi Controversy Deepens as Industry Voices Speak Up

The controversy surrounding singer Daler Mehndi's performance in Uttarakhand has widened, with several figures from the entertainment industry weighing in. Actor and producer Jimmy Shergill has added his voice, arguing that mocking anyone dealing with a medical condition is unfair.

Speaking to a news platform in an exclusive interview, Shergill said, "I have known Daler Mehndi for many years. He is a very humble and spiritual person. To my knowledge, he does not consume alcohol at all. I feel he has had a surgery recently. I myself have been through a phase when someone is facing a medical issue, so ridiculing such a situation is not a good thing."

Shergill emphasised that people should approach such matters with empathy. He said commenting on someone's health problems or making a joke of them without understanding the facts is not right.

The matter dates back to October 19, when Mehndi performed at the Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand. During the programme, state cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal came on stage and expressed his anger over the performance.

The minister questioned how Mehndi could sing if he was not speaking properly. He further accused the singer of arriving after consuming alcohol and of lip-syncing instead of singing live.

Following the backlash, Mika Singh, the singer's brother, spoke in support of him. Mika said Daler was not feeling well and was recovering from a recent surgery. He also raised doubts about the allegations regarding alcohol.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has also responded, saying he has known Mehndi for 25 to 30 years and has never once seen him drinking. He noted that if there was a complaint about the performance, it could have been voiced privately and with dignity.

Amid the debate, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to raise concerns about the incident. The federation said any issue with an artist's performance at a public event should be resolved with understanding and sensitivity, and that reprimanding an artist in front of an audience is not the right way to deal with it.

Uniyal, responding to the criticism, said that if Mehndi was unwell, he ought to have informed the organisers beforehand. He clarified that he has no personal issue with the singer and never meant to hurt him.