Daler Mehndi Confronted By Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal Over Alleged Drunken Performance: ‘Bol Toh Jaa Nahi Raha’
MUMBAI– Popular Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi was confronted by Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal over allegations that he performed under the influence of alcohol at the Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri during Navratri.
“Bol toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge?” (You can’t even speak properly, so how will you sing?), the minister questioned the singer.
Uniyal reminded Mehndi of the religious significance of the occasion and expressed his disappointment over what he perceived as a lack of decorum during the event.
The minister also questioned the singer over the fee paid for his performance and said he had been invited because of his reputation as a prominent artiste.
“Itna paisa deke aapko humne bulaya hai. Iss liye bulaya taaki humare logon ko entertain ho. Aap bewakoof bana rahe hai humein. Galat baat hai. You are a big name. Aapko iss liye bulaya gaya tha kyunki aap bada naam hai,” Uniyal said.
(We called you so that our people could be entertained. You are making a fool of us. You have a big name, and that is why we invited you.)
In an apparent attempt to defuse the situation, Mehndi responded, “Sir, I request you with folded hands…please leave the stage.”
The Cabinet Minister further emphasised that the programme was part of the Navratri celebrations and should be treated with the respect the religious occasion deserved.
A video purportedly showing the exchange has since gone viral on social media, triggering reactions from viewers over the singer’s conduct and the minister’s response.
Reacting to the clip, one social media user expressed sympathy for the singer, writing, “IDK, but Daler Mehndi is looking so much out of touch with reality. No host will ever want to disrespect an invitee like that. I think I am feeling sorry for Daler M. That is poor Mr Daler; your energy is what not showing up there!”
Another user criticised the alleged conduct, writing, “Galat baat hai, sharab pee ke he’s disrespecting the stage. Sharam aani chahiye. I’m a punjabi myself, Subodh ji is correct.”
A third user commented, “Daler paaji is a fantastic singer but he’s clearly intoxicated and slurring words here. BJP and other such party people need to stop entertaining such characters nationwide especially for ‘religious’ programs.”
The incident has sparked a debate on social media about the conduct expected of performers at religious and cultural events. The allegations regarding the singer’s condition during the performance have not been independently established. (Source: IANS)
