Uttarakhand Minister Criticises Daler Mehndi for Lip-Syncing After Rs 35 Lakh Payment

Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal publicly scolded singer Daler Mehndi on stage and accused him of being intoxicated during a cultural event where the singer was paid 35 lakh rupees. Minister Uniyal told ANI that the artist looked disoriented on stage and struggled to stand up while only lip-syncing to his tracks instead of singing live.

Reactions

Padma Shri awardee and Uttarakhand folk singer Pritam Bhartwan supported the minister's views, stating that artists must deliver genuine live performances rather than rely on pre-recorded tracks. Meanwhile, Daler Mehndi's brother, Mika Singh, issued a statement defending him on social media. Mika claimed that his brother has never consumed alcohol in his life and vowed to quit singing if the allegations are proved true. Daler Mehndi himself stated in a 2024 interview that avoiding alcohol is the reason his voice remains intact.

Context

Public figures and artists often face strict public scrutiny regarding their live stage performances and professional commitments. Cultural events funded by public bodies generally involve formal contracts and agreed-upon performance standards for invited guests.