19 October,2026 08:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Daler Mehndi. Pic via Instagram
Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi's performance at the Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri, Uttarakhand, took an unexpected turn when state Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal walked onto the stage and confronted him during the programme. A video of the incident shows the minister questioning the singer's conduct at the cultural event, held during Navratri.
Uniyal appeared upset during the exchange and reminded Mehndi that the occasion was associated with the worship of Goddess Durga, calling for appropriate behaviour and decorum. His intervention interrupted the ongoing performance and caused a commotion at the venue.
In the video, Uniyal can be heard addressing Mehndi in Hindi, saying, "You can't even speak properly, so how will you sing?" The minister then questioned the purpose of inviting the singer to the event, pointing out his popularity and the expectations attached to his performance.
"A religious event celebrating Goddess Durga and Navratri is taking place here. It's inappropriate to perform under the influence of alcohol on such a sacred occasion. You're drunk and singing, which is not a good thing. You can't even speak; how can you sing? You should have respected this stage. We paid so much money to invite you so our people could be entertained. But you're fooling them," he said.
Uniyal's remarks suggested that he was dissatisfied with what he witnessed during the programme. The exchange quickly drew attention, with the footage circulating on social media and prompting discussion about the incident.
The minister also stressed that the religious significance of the Navratri event called for respect. The confrontation brought the singer's performance to an abrupt halt as the exchange unfolded in front of the audience.
According to accounts attributed to local residents, Uniyal intervened because Mehndi was allegedly performing under the influence of alcohol. However, this claim has not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been cited to establish whether the singer was intoxicated. There have also been claims that Mehndi was lip-syncing to recorded versions of his songs rather than singing live.
Neither claim should be treated as fact based on the video of the confrontation alone. The footage shows the minister questioning the singer, but does not independently establish the reasons behind the intervention.
Mehndi, known for Punjabi hits such as Tunak Tunak Tun and Bolo Ta Ra Ra, has not publicly reacted to the incident so far. Uniyal's on-stage confrontation has nevertheless brought the Kunjapuri Mela performance into the spotlight, with questions remaining about what prompted the minister to intervene.
