25 October,2026 08:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Daler Mehndi. Pic via Instagram
Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal has apologised to veteran singer Daler Mehndi over the controversy surrounding the interruption of his performance at a religious event in the state. The apology was reportedly conveyed during a telephonic conversation, with Mika Singh's team welcoming the gesture and expressing hope that the matter can now be put behind them.
In a statement shared with IANS, Mika Singh's team highlighted the importance of respecting artists and acknowledging their contributions to the music industry. "We appreciate that Subodh Uniyal ji has apologised to Daler Mehndi paaji over a telephonic conversation regarding the unfortunate incident. Respecting artists and their dignity is extremely important," the statement read.
It further added, "Daler paaji is a senior artist who has contributed immensely to the music industry, and every artist deserves to be treated with respect." The team also expressed hope that the controversy would not be prolonged, saying, "We hope this matter can now be put behind us and everyone can move forward with mutual respect and understanding."
The development comes after Mika Singh said that his elder brother, Daler Mehndi, did not want the controversy to continue following Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's apology on behalf of Uniyal. Speaking to IANS, Mika revealed that Dhami had personally reached out to him and invited both brothers to Uttarakhand. The singers are also expected to visit the state for a performance in the near future.
Recalling his conversation with the Chief Minister, Mika said, "Just this morning, I spoke with my elder brother, dear friend, and someone I hold in high regard, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami."
Praising Dhami's approach, he added, "Whenever I visit Dehradun, he meets me with great warmth and is extremely down-to-earth. The way he communicated with Daler Paaji and me was very polite and humble." Mika further shared that the Chief Minister had apologised on behalf of the minister, although he felt Dhami was not personally responsible for the incident.
The controversy erupted during Daler Mehndi's performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand during Navratri. The performance was interrupted by state minister Subodh Uniyal, who allegedly accused the singer of being under the influence of alcohol and lip-syncing.
The incident prompted Mika to publicly defend his brother and speak out about the need to treat performers with dignity. The minister's apology, followed by the Chief Minister's intervention, has now opened the door for the matter to be put to rest.
With Mika's team welcoming the apology and expressing hope for a resolution, the focus now appears to be on moving forward with mutual respect.
