Daler Mehndi row: CM says matter closed after Rs 35 lakh show

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami asked all sides on Thursday to let the Daler Mehndi controversy rest after a minister’s on-stage intervention at a Tehri fair became a viral talking point.

No intent to hurt, CM says

Speaking to media, Dhami pointed to the explanation offered by state minister Subodh Uniyal. The minister had come forward on his own, the CM said, and had clarified that he was unaware of Daler Mehndi’s poor health. Dhami framed the episode as a misunderstanding rather than an insult.

“These are all distinguished artists,” the Chief Minister said, adding that Uttarakhand has a tradition of honouring writers, artists and scholars. He added, “I think everyone should now consider this matter closed.”

A phone call to Mika Singh

The Chief Minister’s Office said Dhami also spoke to Daler Mehndi’s brother, singer Mika Singh. In the call, the CM stressed that differences should be sorted out through friendly talks and mutual respect. His office added that the state follows the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava, and that Uttarakhand welcomes artists from across India and the world.

What started the row

The controversy began when Subodh Uniyal interrupted Daler Mehndi during a performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Narendra Nagar, New Tehri. A clip from that moment went viral quickly.

Uniyal later said he believed the singer was lip-syncing rather than singing live. He also claimed Daler Mehndi had been paid Rs 35 lakh for the show, and he was unhappy with how it was conducted. Some social media posts then claimed the singer was intoxicated and struggling to sing; those claims have not been independently verified.

Support for Daler Mehndi

After the incident, several artists supported the singer. The key lines so far:

• CM Dhami wants the matter treated as closed after the minister’s clarification.
• Uniyal says he suspected lip-syncing and has cited a Rs 35 lakh show fee.
• Mika Singh and Badshah have come out in support of Daler Mehndi.

Live shows in India often blur the line between a performance and an appearance, and lip-sync accusations cut deep for singers whose identity is built on their voice. The minister’s public challenge, rather than a private word with organisers, is what turned a local fair into a national entertainment headline.

For fans, the clip raises an awkward question about what a paid live performance owes the audience, and whether an official should address that publicly on stage. For now, the state government’s position is that the minister had no ill intent, and the row should end.

Source: The Times of India