‘Was it necessary?’ Anupam Kher slams BJP minister over Daler Mehndi row

Anupam Kher slams BJP cabinet minister over ‘public humiliation’ of Daler Mehndi in Uttarkhand

NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Anupam Kher has backed singer Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal confronted him on stage during a cultural event, questioning his performance.

Kher criticised the minister's conduct, asking whether it was necessary to publicly humiliate the singer instead of raising concerns privately.“Mantri ji...kya sabke saamne manch par jakar is tarah unhe apmanit karna zaruri tha?” Kher wrote in an Instagram post, expressing disappointment over the way the singer was addressed in front of an audience.

The controversy erupted after Mehndi's performance at the annual Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

Uniyal allegedly questioned the singer's presentation, claiming that he appeared disoriented and was lip-syncing. The minister also alleged that Mehndi was drunk.

What Anupam Kher said

In his post, Kher said he had known Mehndi for several years and was concerned about the singer's health. He said the singer had not been keeping well and deserved to be treated with dignity after decades of contributing to the music industry.“I watched a video in which a minister was speaking to Daler Mehndi ji on stage.

The way he spoke to him was deeply upsetting to see. I have known Daler ji for many years. I also know that he hasn’t been keeping well for some time now. Minister ji, you may have had complaints about his performance. You may even have been upset with him. But was it really necessary to go up on stage and humiliate him in front of everyone? Couldn’t the same thing have been said to him privately, with dignity and respect? (Mantri ji.

....kya sabke saamne manch par jakar is tarah unhe apmanit karna zaruri tha?),” Kher wrote.He added that an artist's contribution should be acknowledged and respected, particularly after years of work.“An artist spends an entire lifetime earning the recognition and respect that comes through years of hard work. For the past 30–35 years, Daler ji has brought joy to all of us through his songs. Surely, his contribution deserves some appreciation and respect.

Daler ji, I have always known you as a kind-hearted person who spreads love. As far as I know you, you don’t even drink alcohol. I am deeply sorry that you had to go through something like this.

”

Mika Singh defends his brother

Earlier, singer Mika Singh came out in support of his brother, saying Mehndi had been unwell for the past two years and had undergone an operation recently. Mika suggested that his health could explain his speech during the performance and rejected allegations that the singer had consumed alcohol.

“I know my brother Daler Mehndi, and he does not drink alcohol. He has been unwell for the past two years and is still recovering, yet he continues to perform with his band. These days, many performers use backing tracks, but nobody questions them in the same way,” Mika said.Kher also urged members of the film industry to speak up in support of Mehndi, saying it should not be Mika's responsibility alone to defend his brother.The incident has triggered a debate over the treatment of performers at public events, with Kher questioning why any concerns about Mehndi's performance could not have been raised privately and respectfully.