The controversy over Daler Mehndi's interrupted show in Uttarakhand has reached an end. Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal has apologised to the Punjabi pop legend, according to entertainment updates on Monday, 26 October 2026, after days of criticism from the music industry.

The row at a glance

  • Event: the 50th Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair, Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal
  • What happened: the minister walked on stage, stopped Mehndi's performance and questioned whether he was fit to sing
  • Fee cited by the minister: Rs 35 lakh
  • Outcome: the Chief Minister sought closure on 22 October, and the minister later apologised

Timeline

  1. The show. Uniyal interrupted the set, alleging Mehndi appeared disoriented and was lip-syncing.
  2. The defence. Mika Singh said his brother does not drink, demanded a public apology and said Daler cried after the incident. Anupam Kher, Kapil Sharma, Badshah and Rajpal Yadav backed Mehndi.
  3. The minister's response. Uniyal said he meant no offence and that Mehndi should have told organisers if he was unwell.
  4. The CM steps in. On 22 October, Pushkar Singh Dhami said he had spoken to Mika Singh and called for the matter to be closed, according to PTI via ThePrint.
  5. The apology. Mika said the CM apologised on the minister's behalf, and Uniyal's own apology followed, according to Filmibeat.

Why it matters

It is the latest in a run of stage disputes this month, including Shilpa Rao's mic being cut at the Bollywood Music Project. Both incidents have sparked a wider conversation about how organisers and officials treat performers. Read that story at https://mediamarvels.in/blog/shilpa-rao-bollywood-music-project-mic-cut-row, and our original coverage at https://mediamarvels.in/blog/daler-mehndi-kunjapuri-fair-controversy-fwice.

Daler Mehndi row: FAQs

Did Subodh Uniyal apologise to Daler Mehndi? Yes, according to reports on 26 October 2026.

Where did the incident happen? At the Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

What did the minister allege? That Mehndi seemed unfit to perform and was lip-syncing.

Who defended Daler Mehndi? Mika Singh, Anupam Kher, Kapil Sharma, Badshah and others.

Is the matter closed? CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has said it should be put to rest.

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Image: Daler Mehndi. Photo via Wikimedia Commons, used under its free licence.