Singer Daler Mehndi’s son, Gurdeep Mehndi, has shared an update on his father’s health amid the row over a viral video from a stage show in Uttarakhand. Gurdeep did not speak about the controversy but said the singer is doing well. Meanwhile, the film body FWICE has written to the prime minister and the Uttarakhand chief minister in the singer’s support.
Gurdeep Mehndi says his father is doing well
The controversy began after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal questioned Daler Mehndi’s conduct on stage and suggested he appeared to be intoxicated. Gurdeep Mehndi stayed away from the issue when he spoke to IANS. He only commented on his father’s well-being. “He is first class, fantastic, super hit, and best of luck,” he said.
What happened at the New Tehri event?
Daler was performing on Sunday at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri. During the show, Uniyal stopped the singer and questioned his performance, saying he had been invited to entertain the audience.The moment spread quickly online, with some users claiming the singer was drunk and struggling to sing. These claims have not been independently verified. Singer Mika Singh came out in support of Daler.Uniyal later told ANI that Daler was lip-syncing. He said he spoke up because a leading artist should do justice to his act. The minister also claimed the singer had been paid Rs 35 lakh for the event.
FWICE writes to PM Modi and Uttarakhand chief minister
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has backed Daler and sent letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The body said it was deeply concerned about the incident, which took place at a Navratri-linked community event.The letter described what was reported to have happened on stage. “As reported, the Hon’ble Minister walked onto the stage during Shri Daler Mehndi’s performance, reprimanded him, and asked him to stop, reportedly citing concerns about his physical condition, his ability to speak or 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.”FWICE also stated that Daler is not a “consumer of alcohol”. It added that it is common knowledge that he has been dealing with health issues and is recovering from surgery.“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.”
Federation urges sensitivity towards artists
The letter also spoke of the role artists play in the country’s cultural life. “Shri 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.”FWICE then made its appeal. “We therefore respectfully request your kind attention to this incident and urge you to advise the concerned authorities and public representatives to exercise greater sensitivity when dealing with artists and performers.”The federation ended by saying it has always stood for the welfare, professional rights and fair treatment of workers and artists in the film and entertainment industry. It hoped its concerns would be given due consideration.
