Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over singer Daler Mehndi’s public confrontation with Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal during a Navratri-linked cultural event in New Tehri. The film body has sought greater sensitivity in the treatment of artistes.
Its intervention came after Daler’s brother, singer Mika Singh, denied allegations that Daler had consumed alcohol before the performance. Mika said Daler was recovering from major surgery and had performed despite being unwell. He also sought an apology from Uniyal and questioned the minister’s claim that the singer had been offered Rs 35 lakh for the event.
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In its letter, FWICE said, “On behalf of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees, we wish to express our deep concern regarding the reported incident involving renowned singer and performer Daler Mehndi, who was publicly reprimanded by Uttarakhand Minister Shri Subodh Uniyal during a live performance at a religious, Navratri-linked community event.”
The federation said Uniyal reportedly walked onto the stage during Daler’s performance, reprimanded him and asked him to stop. It said the minister raised concerns about the singer’s physical condition, his ability to speak or stand, and whether he was singing live or lip-syncing.
“While we recognise the importance of ensuring the smooth conduct of public events, such concerns should be addressed with sensitivity and discretion rather than through public reprimand,” the letter said.
FWICE said Daler was not a “consumer of alcohol” and had been dealing with health-related issues while recovering from surgery. “In these circumstances, it is particularly important to exercise restraint before drawing conclusions about an artist’s condition. Any concerns regarding a performer’s well-being should be addressed with compassion and professionalism,” it said.
The federation also highlighted the contribution of artistes to the country’s cultural fabric. “Daler Mehndi is a celebrated name in Indian music whose songs and performances have earned him widespread recognition across generations. An incident involving the public humiliation of such a senior artist is deeply distressing to the entire entertainment fraternity,” it said.
FWICE requested the Prime Minister and the Uttarakhand Chief Minister to advise the authorities and public representatives concerned to exercise greater sensitivity while dealing with artistes and performers. It said it had always worked for the welfare, professional rights and fair treatment of workers and artistes associated with the film and entertainment industry, and hoped its concerns would receive due consideration.
The controversy began during Daler’s performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri on Sunday. The performance was part of a cultural programme organised for the Navratri celebrations.
Uniyal walked onto the stage and questioned the performance, saying Daler had been invited to entertain the audience. “There is a Durga Mata programme for Navratri, and you are singing at the event after drinking alcohol, which is not appropriate,” he said. “We called you so that our people could be entertained. You are making a fool of us. This is wrong. It’s wrong. You were called because you have a big name. You can’t even speak, how will you sing?”
Clips of the exchange circulated online and drew reactions ranging from mockery to criticism from Daler’s fans. Several celebrities also supported the singer. Allegations that Daler was under the influence of alcohol and struggling to sing have not been independently verified.
Mika Singh seeks apology and payment details
On Wednesday, Mika thanked singers from Bollywood and Punjab, as well as fans, friends, family members and well-wishers, for supporting Daler. “My point is simple: Daler Mehndi ji does not drink alcohol, and making such allegations against him is completely wrong,” he wrote on X.
Questioning the way his brother was treated, Mika wrote, “If a teacher at a school or college scolds a student, then it turns into a big issue. Then how is it okay to insult an artiste of such calibre in this way?”
Tagging Uniyal, he added, “I believe an apology is due. The person responsible should acknowledge that the allegations about Daler Mehndi ji drinking alcohol were wrong and apologise for the way he was treated.”
Uniyal had said Daler was offered Rs 35 lakh to perform at the event. Responding to the claim, Mika asked him to make the payment records public. “Sir, you paid Rs 35 lakh in cash or cheque? If you have the receipts, then please present them in public so people can know the truth. Thank you!” he wrote.
Apart from his live concerts, Daler recently reprised his song Na Na Na Na Na Re in the 2024 comedy film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri in key roles. Daler has yet to issue a statement on the controversy.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
