27 October,2026 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Subodh Uniyal and Daler Mehndi. Pics via X
After reports of Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal apologising to singer Daler Mehndi surfaced, the minister has now firmly denied the claims. He denied apologising to Mehndi following the recent controversial on-stage incident, wherein he interrupted his performance and accused him of being intoxicated on October 18. Notably, Uniyal's clarification comes shortly after Mika Singh claimed that Uniyal had spoken to Mehndi over a phone call and expressed regret.
Uniyal addressed the claims of apologising during an interview with YouTube channel Satyavani Live Deepak Singh Golu. Rejecting claims of reconciliation, he said, "Mera maafi maangne ka prashn hi nahi hai (There is no question of me apologising)." "Ye batao, maine koi apradh kiya hai jo maafi maangu? (Tell me, have I committed any crime that I should apologise?)" he added.
He further placed the responsibility on the singer to manage expectations regarding his health condition. He went on to argue that if Mehndi was really unwell, he should have either opted out of the event or informed the organisers and the audience in advance.
"Agar tabiyat kharab thi toh nahi aana chahiye tha. Agar aaye bhi the, toh janta ko bata dete ki tabiyat kharab hai (If he was unwell, he should not have come. Even if he did come, he should have informed the audience that he was unwell)," Uniyal said.
The minister concluded, "Main kehta hoon, apradhi kaun hai? (I ask, who is the one at fault?)" maintaining that an apology should come from the party who is at fault.
Notably, Mika Singh's team had earlier claimed that Uniyal had apologised to Mehndi on a call amid the controversy. A statement by Singh's team read, "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 controversy emerged from an incident on October 18 during the Kunjapuri Devi Mela in Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district. Minister Subodh Uniyal interrupted Daler Mehndi's live performance on stage while publicly questioning the veteran singer's state, alleging that he was under the influence of alcohol and lip-syncing. Uniyal's even claimed that Mehndi had taken Rs 35 lakh for the performance.
Mika Singh then stepped in to defend his elder brother, stating that he doesn't consume alcohol and had been unwell during the performance. He also called for an apology from the minister, stressing that senior artists should be treated with dignity.
