By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Zahid sharab peene de masjid mein baith kar,
Ya woh jagah bata jahan par Khuda na ho.
Punjabi pop star Mika Singh has repeatedly maintained that his elder brother, veteran singer Daler Mehndi, does not consume alcohol. An anecdote he narrated in an interview with a media platform offers an insight into how strongly he has stood by his brother on the issue.
Recalling a conversation with Daler, Mika said he had once remarked that his brother had earned a reputation associated with drinking without actually consuming alcohol.
“Daler paaji (tusi) zindagi mein (bhar) sharab peete. Sharab pi ke badnaam hote,” Mika said as he made a wisecrack while referring to the irony of his brother being associated with alcohol despite, according to him, not drinking.
Mika’s defence of his elder brother has gained renewed attention following the controversy over Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Maa Kunjapuri fair in Narendranagar in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district on October 18.
Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted the performance and questioned the singer’s ability to perform, alleging that he was under the influence of alcohol. The episode triggered a public exchange, with Mika strongly objecting to the allegation and defending his brother. Mika has politely requested Uniyal to says sorry to his elder brother to resolve the issue completely.
In a video statement posted on social media, Mika challenged anyone to establish that Daler consumed alcohol, declaring that he would quit singing if anyone could prove the claim. He also said his brother had been unwell and was recovering from a major operation.
Daler Mehndi has also spoken about his abstinence from alcohol in an earlier interview, attributing it to conditions laid down by his music teacher, Ustaad Rahat Ali Khan, and advice from his mother.
The controversy subsequently took a conciliatory turn after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to both brothers. Mika thanked Dhami for assuring them that Daler would be invited to Uttarakhand again and receive the respect he deserved.
Mika also said Daler had personally requested him to put the matter to rest, adding that he wanted to move forward positively.
The singer’s latest message suggests that the brothers are willing to close the chapter, even as the episode has renewed discussion about the treatment of performers at public events and the need to distinguish allegations from established facts.