Anupam Kher Condemns Public Humiliation of Daler Mehndi at Uttarakhand Event

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has come out in support of Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi after his performance at a cultural event in Uttarakhand was interrupted by a state minister who accused him of being drunk. Condemning the incident, Kher questioned whether it was necessary to publicly humiliate the singer instead of addressing the issue privately.

The incident took place on Sunday night at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand. Mehndi, known for popular songs such as Tunak Tunak Tun, Bolo Ta Ra and Ho Jayegi Balle Balle, was performing when Cabinet Minister and Narendra Nagar MLA Subodh Uniyal went on stage, stopped the performance and expressed displeasure over the singer's conduct.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Uniyal can be heard questioning Mehndi and asking whether he was drunk, alleging that he could not speak properly and therefore could not sing. However, the allegations could not be independently confirmed.

Reacting to the incident, Kher described Mehndi as one of the finest human beings he had met. He said he had known the singer personally for 25 to 30 years and was aware that Mehndi did not drink. The actor also revealed that the singer had not been keeping well for the past two to three years.

In a video shared on X, Kher said nobody should speak to another person in an insulting manner, particularly on a public platform. He also expressed regret over the singer's public humiliation and urged the film industry to stand by him.

Addressing Uniyal directly, Kher acknowledged that the minister might have had concerns about the performance but stressed that they could have been communicated privately and respectfully.

The incident has drawn criticism from several entertainment personalities, including Mika Singh, Kapil Sharma and rapper Badshah, adding to the debate over the treatment of artists at public events.