‘Shouldn’t have come if unwell’: Subodh Uniyal stands by remarks amid Daler Mehndi controversy
New Delhi: The controversy surrounding singer ’s performance at an event in Uttarakhand has taken a fresh turn, with Cabinet Minister standing by his decision to question the singer on stage. Uniyal said Mehndi should not have attended the programme if he was not physically fit to perform.
The incident took place on Sunday (October 18) at the annual Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri. A video showing the minister questioning Mehndi during his performance went viral on Monday (October 19), getting reactions from several celebrities. Singers and Harshdeep Kaur, rapper Badshah and comedian Kapil Sharma came out in support of the singer, with some pointing to his recent surgery.
Subodh Uniyal stands by his remarks
Speaking to The Indian Express, Uniyal defended his actions and said the singer should have considered his health before committing to the event.
“If he was not physically fit, he should not have come to the programme. He should not have made the commitment in the first place. You are making a fool of yourself (by performing) if you are not physically fit. If you cannot speak properly, you should not have come,” he said.
The minister also said that a prominent artist should maintain the dignity expected of them. He pointed out that arrangements had already been made for the programme, including payments, first-class tickets and hotel bookings.
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‘Received a few calls’: Minister
Uniyal also revealed that some people had contacted him, asking him to issue a statement saying Mehndi was on medication. However, the minister said he refused to do so.
During the event, Uniyal had questioned whether Mehndi was singing live or performing to a pre-recorded track. He also challenged the singer’s ability to perform, asking how he could sing if he could not speak properly. The exchange created an awkward moment on stage.
Celebs rally behind Daler Mehndi
Following the incident, several members of the entertainment industry expressed support for Mehndi., including Mika Singh, Kapil Sharma, Anupam Kher, Badshah, Rajpal Yadav and others. the singer’s younger brother, said Mehndi had never consumed alcohol and linked his condition to a recent surgery.
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Kapil Sharma, while sharing Mika’s video on Instagram, said Mehndi had undergone “some serious surgery which people don’t know (about).”
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criticised what he viewed as the public humiliation of a veteran artiste, while Harshdeep Kaur also supported Mehndi, suggesting that he appeared unwell during the performance.
Written By Uditi Sharma!