Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal has denied apologising to singer Daler Mehndi following their public confrontation at a cultural event in the state, contradicting earlier claims by singer Mika Singh’s team that the minister had expressed regret over the incident.
Speaking in an interview with YouTube channel Satya Vani, Uniyal dismissed reports of an apology, insisting that he had done nothing wrong. “There is no question of me apologising,” he said, questioning whether he had committed any wrongdoing that warranted an apology.
The controversy erupted on October 18 during a performance by Daler Mehndi at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand. The minister interrupted the singer on stage and questioned his ability to perform, alleging that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Videos of the exchange subsequently circulated widely on social media, triggering criticism from members of the entertainment industry and renewed debate over the treatment of artists at public events.
Minister Questions Singer’s Performance
Explaining his position, Uniyal argued that Mehndi should have informed the organisers and audience if he was unwell. He also questioned why the singer had attended the event if his health prevented him from delivering the expected performance.
The minister further claimed that the singer had disappointed the audience despite receiving a substantial performance fee. Reports have cited differing figures for the payment, with Uniyal previously mentioning ₹35 lakh and later referring to ₹26 lakh. These figures have not been independently established in the cited reports.
Mika Singh Claims Minister Had Apologised
Earlier, Mika Singh’s team stated that Uniyal had apologised to Daler Mehndi during a telephone conversation following the controversy. The statement emphasised the importance of respecting artists and their dignity, expressing hope that the dispute could be put behind them.
Mika also said that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had spoken with the brothers and offered an apology on the minister’s behalf. The Chief Minister’s intervention was seen as an effort to defuse the dispute and facilitate an amicable resolution.
However, Uniyal’s latest remarks have directly contradicted the claim that he personally apologised to the singer.
Entertainment Industry Rallies Behind Daler Mehndi
The incident has drawn support for Mehndi from several personalities in the entertainment industry. Mika Singh defended his elder brother, rejecting the allegation that the singer had consumed alcohol and calling for him to be treated with respect.
Actor Anupam Kher also criticised the public reprimand, describing the treatment of the veteran singer as unfair. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) separately wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, urging greater sensitivity when dealing with artists at public events.
The dispute has raised questions about how concerns over a live performance should be handled, particularly when they involve a prominent artist performing before a large audience.
With Uniyal denying that he apologised and Mika Singh’s team maintaining that an apology was offered, the accounts of the alleged reconciliation remain conflicting. The controversy continues to attract attention as questions surrounding the public confrontation and the treatment of performers remain unresolved.
