By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Despite Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s assurance that he would speak to Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh, the controversy over the Punjabi singer’s public confrontation with Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal shows no signs of abating, with more film stars, singers and other entertainment personalities rallying behind Mehndi.
At least 18 film stars, singers and other entertainment personalities have so far rallied behind Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi following the public confrontation at a cultural programme in Tehri district, turning the incident into a wider debate over the dignity and treatment of performing artists.
The controversy erupted during a cultural programme at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair on October 18, when Uniyal interrupted Mehndi’s performance and questioned his singing. The minister alleged that the singer appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was not delivering the performance expected of an artist reportedly paid Rs 35 lakh for the show.
The allegation has been disputed by Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, who said the veteran performer had recently undergone major surgery and might have been unwell. Mika challenged the allegation of alcohol consumption and demanded an apology from the minister.
Those reported to have supported Mehndi include Mika Singh, Badshah, Kapil Sharma, Anupam Kher, Shilpa Shetty, Rajpal Yadav, Vir Das, Shaan, Harshdeep Kaur, Alisha Chinai, Palash Sen, Kanika Kapoor, Manmeet Singh, Kiku Sharda, Rahul Dev, Gurdas Maan, Jassi and Neil Nitin Mukesh.
Badshah described Mehndi as a legendary singer and argued that disappointment over a performance did not justify publicly humiliating an artist. Kapil Sharma urged people to show compassion, pointing to Mehndi’s reported health difficulties.
Anupam Kher questioned why concerns about the singer’s performance could not have been raised privately and respectfully. Mika Singh has been among the most vocal supporters, challenging the allegations against his brother and demanding an apology.
Other artists have also highlighted Mehndi’s contribution to Indian music and called for him to be treated with dignity. However, the precise nature of each celebrity’s statement differs, and not all should be interpreted as endorsing every aspect of the singer’s performance.
The controversy has acquired a wider industry dimension, with the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The federation expressed concern over the public reprimand of a senior artist and called for greater sensitivity in dealing with performers. Its intervention has brought the question of professional dignity into the centre of the dispute.
Dhami has said he will speak to both Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh, raising hopes of a possible resolution.
The controversy has brought two issues into focus: the responsibility of a paid performer to deliver the promised show and the obligation to raise concerns about a performance without humiliating an artist publicly.
The key questions now are whether Uniyal will respond to the demand for an apology and whether the Chief Minister’s intervention can defuse the row.