Daler Mehndi row reaches PMO: FWICE writes to PM Modi over singer’s ‘public humiliation’
New Delhi: The controversy surrounding singer ’s on-stage confrontation with Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal has now reached the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, raising concerns over the way the singer was treated during a cultural event in New Tehri.
FWICE Raises Concerns Over Daler Mehndi’s Treatment
In its letter, the film industry body urged public representatives to deal with artistes with greater sensitivity, particularly when questions arise about their health or performance. FWICE said that public representatives should handle concerns about a performer privately and professionally, rather than through a public reprimand in front of an audience.
FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) writes to PM Modi and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami over alleged public humiliation of singer Daler Mehndi by Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal. https://t.co/PhvtRHmquh
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 21, 2026
The incident took place on Sunday (October 18) during the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand. During Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Navratri-linked cultural programme, Uniyal walked onto the stage and questioned the singer’s ability to perform. He also suggested that Mehndi was under the influence of alcohol.
“You can’t even speak; how will you sing?” the minister asked, according to the video of the exchange that later circulated on social media.
In its letter, FWICE described the incident as a matter of concern for the entertainment industry. The federation said the minister had questioned Mehndi’s physical condition, his ability to speak and 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 stated.
The body also defended the singer, saying he was not a consumer of alcohol and had been dealing with health issues while recovering from surgery. It stressed that people should avoid drawing conclusions about an artiste’s condition without proper information.
“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,” FWICE said.
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‘Public humiliation is deeply distressing’
FWICE also highlighted Daler Mehndi’s contribution to Indian music and said the incident had upset members of the entertainment fraternity. “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,” the letter read.
The federation urged the Prime Minister and the Uttarakhand Chief Minister to advise the authorities and public representatives concerned to show greater sensitivity towards artistes and performers. It added that FWICE had consistently worked for the welfare, professional rights and fair treatment of people associated with the film and entertainment industry.
The controversy began after clips of the exchange went viral, drawing criticism as well as reactions from fans. Several celebrities also came out in support of Mehndi, questioning the decision to confront him publicly.
Mika Singh Demands Apology
Daler Mehndi’s younger brother, singer Mika Singh, has strongly denied the allegation that Daler had consumed alcohol before the performance. Mika said his brother was recovering from major surgery and had gone ahead with the programme despite not being fully well.
On Wednesday, Mika thanked singers from Bollywood and Punjab, along with fans, friends, family members and well-wishers, for standing by his brother. He maintained that the allegations were wrong and called on Uniyal to apologise.
“My point is simple: Daler Mehndi ji does not drink alcohol, and making such allegations against him is completely wrong,” Mika wrote on social media.
He also questioned why a senior artiste should be scolded and humiliated in front of an audience. Tagging the minister, Mika said an apology was due and urged him to acknowledge that the allegations about Daler drinking alcohol were wrong.
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Uniyal, meanwhile, defended his actions while speaking to ANI. He claimed that Daler appeared disoriented on stage and was lip-syncing rather than singing live. The minister also said the singer had been offered Rs 35 lakh to perform at the event and that he had expressed his displeasure because he felt Mehndi was not doing justice to his art.
Mika later questioned the payment claim and asked the minister to make the 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.
The allegations about Daler being under the influence of alcohol have not been independently verified. The singer has yet to issue a statement on the controversy.
Apart from his live performances, Daler Mehndi recently revisited his popular song ‘Na Na Na Na Na Re’ in the 2024 comedy film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.
Written By Uditi Sharma!