Veteran actor Anupam Kher has joined the growing list of celebrities backing singer Daler Mehndi after his performance at a cultural event in Uttarakhand triggered a controversy. Kher has questioned BJP minister Subodh Uniyal over the way he spoke to the singer on stage, saying that any complaints about the performance could have been addressed privately instead of in front of an audience.
In a strongly worded Instagram post, Kher said Mehndi deserved dignity and respect after spending decades entertaining people through his music. He also revealed that he had known the singer for years and was aware that he had not been keeping well.
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Anupam Kher questions BJP minister’s conduct
Reacting to a video of the incident, Kher expressed disappointment over the minister’s behaviour towards the singer.
“I watched a video in which a minister was speaking to Daler Mehndi ji on stage. The way he spoke to him was deeply upsetting to see,” the actor wrote.
While acknowledging that the minister might have been unhappy with the performance, Kher questioned whether it was necessary to address the issue publicly.
“Minister ji, you may have had complaints about his performance. You may even have been upset with him. But was it really necessary to go up on stage and humiliate him in front of everyone? Couldn’t the same thing have been said to him privately, with dignity and respect?” he added.
Kher also repeated his question in Hindi, asking, “Mantri ji…..kya sabke saamne manch par jakar is tarah unhe apmanit karna zaruri tha?”
The actor’s comments have brought attention to the disagreement between the Uttarakhand minister and the singer, with Kher focusing on how the matter was handled in public.
Why did Subodh Uniyal criticise Daler Mehndi?
The controversy began after Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal alleged that Mehndi appeared disoriented during his performance and was lip-syncing to the songs.
The BJP leader also alleged that the singer was drunk. These remarks sparked a backlash, with members of the entertainment industry speaking out in support of Mehndi.
Kher, meanwhile, pointed to the singer’s long career and contribution to the music industry. He said Mehndi had spent the past 30 to 35 years bringing happiness to audiences through his songs.
“An artist spends an entire lifetime earning the recognition and respect that comes through years of hard work,” Kher wrote, adding that the singer’s contribution deserved appreciation and respect.
The actor also shared a personal message for Mehndi, describing him as a kind-hearted person who spreads love.
“As far as I know you, you don’t even drink alcohol. I am deeply sorry that you had to go through something like this,” he said.
Mika Singh defends brother, reveals health struggles
Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh, also came forward in his defence. In a video message shared on Tuesday, Mika said his brother had been unwell for the past two years and was still recovering from a recent operation.
Mika suggested that his brother’s health could explain his speech during the performance. He also rejected the allegation that Mehndi had consumed alcohol.
“I know my brother Daler Mehndi, and he does not drink alcohol. He has been unwell for the past two years and is still recovering, yet he continues to perform with his band,” Mika said.
He also questioned why Mehndi was being criticised over the use of backing tracks when other performers use similar arrangements without facing the same questions.
“These days, many performers use backing tracks, but nobody questions them in the same way,” Mika added.
- Anupam Kher
- Daler Mehndi
- Uttarakhand
