Mika Singh Challenges Minister to Produce Proof of Rs 35 Lakh Payment to Daler Mehndi

Mumbai — Singer Mika Singh has publicly challenged Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal to provide proof of an alleged Rs 35 lakh payment to his elder brother, singer Daler Mehndi, following accusations that the performer lip-synced during a recent Navratri event.

The controversy intensified Wednesday when Mika took to social media platform X to question the minister’s claims and demand documentation of the reported payment.

“Sir, aapne ₹35 lakh cash mein diye the ya cheque se? Agar aapke paas payment ki receipts hain, toh please public ke saamne share kijiye, taaki sabko sach pata chal sake. Thank you!” Mika wrote, tagging Uniyal.

Translated, the singer asked whether the Rs 35 lakh had been paid in cash or by check and urged the minister to publicly release payment receipts so that the facts could be established.

The dispute began after Uniyal questioned Daler Mehndi’s performance at a Navratri celebration, alleging that the popular Punjabi singer appeared to be lip-syncing rather than singing live.

Speaking to reporters, Uniyal said organizers had invited Mehndi because of his reputation and popularity in the music industry.

However, the minister claimed that the performance did not meet expectations, particularly given the reported Rs 35 lakh fee.

Uniyal said that, as a local representative and member of the event’s organizing committee, he was facing pressure from members of the public to address concerns surrounding the performance.

Mika has strongly defended his brother amid the controversy, disputing criticism directed at the veteran performer.

On Tuesday, he also challenged allegations concerning Daler Mehndi’s alleged alcohol consumption, declaring that he would quit singing if anyone could prove that his brother drinks alcohol.

In a video shared on social media, Mika questioned the basis for such accusations.

“Have you ever seen a glass of alcohol in his hand, or seen alcohol flowing freely at his birthday parties? No, you have not,” he said.

The singer also rejected suggestions that his brother had been unable to stand properly during the event, arguing that such claims should not be made without evidence.

Mika explained that professional performers frequently honor their commitments despite dealing with health problems or other difficulties.

“Hum artists kayin baar kisi ke kehne par haan kar dete hain ‘yes we will do the show’ Even if we have 104 degree fever, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

He added that if he had committed to a performance, he would fulfill that obligation regardless of whether the payment was large or small, even if he was feeling unwell.

Mika suggested that Daler Mehndi might have faced similar circumstances and chosen to perform despite possible difficulties.

The dispute has brought renewed attention to the singer’s appearance at the Navratri event, with questions surrounding both the quality of the performance and the amount allegedly paid to him.

Mika’s latest challenge places additional pressure on Uniyal to substantiate his claims regarding the payment.

The allegations about lip-syncing and the reported Rs 35 lakh fee remain disputed, and the information presented does not establish whether payment records have been made public. (Source: IANS)