The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami after a minister publicly reprimanded Daler Mehndi on stage at a Navratri-linked cultural event in New Tehri. The film body’s message is direct: concerns about a performer should not become a public spectacle.
What happened at the fair
At the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair, Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal walked onto the stage during Daler Mehndi’s performance and accused the singer of performing after consuming alcohol. The minister also questioned whether Daler was in a position to perform before the audience.
Clips from the event soon went viral online. Reactions were mixed, and the alcohol allegation has not been independently verified.
FWICE steps in
In its letter, FWICE said it was deeply concerned about the reported incident involving the “renowned singer and performer”. It acknowledged that concerns about the conduct of public events are valid, but argued they should be handled with discretion. A live public reprimand, the federation said, could damage an artist’s dignity and reputation.
FWICE also said Daler Mehndi was not a “consumer of alcohol” and had been managing health-related issues while recovering from surgery. It urged restraint before drawing conclusions about a performer’s condition, and asked that concerns about health or the ability to perform be addressed with compassion and professionalism.
Mika Singh pushes back
Daler Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, has denied the alcohol claim outright. He said Daler had still agreed to perform while recovering from major surgery, called the accusation unfair, and sought an apology from Minister Uniyal.
Mika Singh also questioned the minister’s claim that Daler had been offered Rs 35 lakh for the event. He asked whether the payment was made in cash or by cheque, and requested that the records be made public.
Daler Mehndi has not issued a detailed public statement on the controversy so far.
Why this matters for live events
For organisers, artists and their teams, the episode is a reminder that a public stage is the wrong place to settle a question about a performer’s fitness. If a concern arises, the safer route is to pause, speak to the artist and their team, and handle the matter away from the audience.
- FWICE has asked the Prime Minister and Uttarakhand CM to advise public representatives to show greater sensitivity towards performers.
- Mika Singh wants an apology and public clarity on the Rs 35 lakh payment claim.
- Daler Mehndi has not commented in detail, and the alcohol allegation remains unverified.
The federation added that Daler Mehndi has contributed to Indian music across generations, which is why the treatment of a senior artiste has struck a nerve in the entertainment industry. Its letter is being read as a wider call for dignity and due process at public cultural events.
Source: Filmibeat