Anupam Kher supports Daler Mehndi says singer has not been well for many years

October 21, 2026

Mumbai: Veteran actor Anupam Kher has responded to the controversy between Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal and singer Daler Mehndi, expressing his support for the singer. After a video of the minister allegedly reprimanding Daler Mehndi on stage during a cultural event went viral on social media, Anupam Kher said that no person should be spoken to in such a disrespectful manner on a public platform.

Anupam Kher shared a video on his social media account, expressing his grief over the incident. He stated that he has known Daler Mehndi for the past 20 to 30 years. The actor expressed concern for the singer’s health, defended his professionalism, and appealed to members of the entertainment industry to speak out on the matter.

Anupam Kher Expresses Concern Over Daler Mehndi’s Health

Anupam Kher stated that he wasn’t present at the time of the incident, so he doesn’t have complete information about what actually happened. However, he described Daler Mehndi as a wonderful person and said that, to his knowledge, the singer doesn’t drink alcohol.

The actor said, “I’ve known Daler Mehndi for the past 20 to 30 years, and I can say that, as far as I know, he doesn’t drink alcohol. He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met.”

He further stated that Daler Mehndi may not have been feeling well at the time. Anupam Kher stated that he knows from his friend, Dr. Jul, that Daler Mehndi hasn’t been keeping well for the past two to three years.

According to the actor, it’s possible that Daler Mehndi had promised the organizers to perform at the event, and that’s why he couldn’t refuse. He said that it was the singer’s professional attitude that he fulfilled his commitment. Anupam also said that he may have been lip-syncing during the performance.

‘Insulting someone on a public platform is wrong’

Anupam Kher questioned Minister Subodh Uniyal’s behavior, saying that if he had any complaints about Daler Mehndi’s performance, they could have been expressed respectfully.

He said, “I just felt bad that no one should be spoken to in this manner, especially on an open platform. This is not right. Publicly defaming someone is wrong.”

Addressing the minister, the actor said that while there may be displeasure over the performance, it wasn’t necessary to go on stage and insult someone. According to him, the minister could have spoken respectfully while sitting aside.

Anupam Kher said that Daler Mehndi has brought joy to people through his songs for the past 35 years. An artist earns recognition and respect through hard work, which takes a lifetime. Therefore, his contribution should be appreciated.

Anupam Kher Appeals to the Film Industry to Unite

Anupam Kher apologized to Daler Mehndi and said that people in the entertainment industry should also speak openly about this incident. He said that it’s not just Daler’s brother and singer Mika Singh who should speak out in his support, but that other members of the industry should also stand with him.

He said, “Daler ji, I am very sorry. I think people should talk about this. Our industry should also speak out. It’s not just Mika ji’s responsibility to speak out for his brother. We should speak up for the people we know.”

Reiterating his support for Daler Mehndi, Anupam Kher said that he has faith in the singer’s understanding, professionalism, goodness, and greatness. He also wished Daler Mehndi a speedy recovery.

In the caption of his video, Anupam Kher wrote that a few days ago he saw a video showing a minister speaking to Daler Mehndi on stage. He felt very sad after seeing it.

Controversy started at a cultural event in Uttarakhand

The controversy began during Daler Mehndi’s performance at the annual Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair held in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

According to reports, during the event, state cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal questioned the singer’s performance and interrupted him on stage. A video of the public conversation between the two went viral on social media, sparking discussion about the incident.