Mumbai: Singer Mika Singh has strongly defended his elder brother, Daler Mehndi, after allegations surfaced that the celebrated Punjabi performer had consumed alcohol before appearing on stage at a religious fair in Uttarakhand. Rejecting the claims, Mika has challenged anyone to produce evidence of his brother drinking, declaring that he would give up singing if Daler were ever seen consuming alcohol.
Mika addressed the controversy in a video shared on Instagram, expressing disappointment over media reports suggesting that Daler had been intoxicated during his performance. He questioned the basis of the allegations and urged journalists to establish the facts before publishing claims that could damage an artist's reputation.
Referring to Daler's decades-long career, Mika asked whether anyone had credible evidence of his brother drinking alcohol. He argued that allegations should not be treated as established facts simply because they have been made publicly.
Mika says Daler may have performed despite ill health
Explaining his brother's situation, Mika said performers often honour professional commitments even when they are unwell. He suggested that Daler might have taken the stage despite health difficulties because he had already agreed to perform.
Mika also disclosed that Daler had been recovering from health problems over the past two years but continued to perform with his band. He said artists frequently face pressure to fulfil commitments regardless of their physical condition.
The singer further questioned why established performers sometimes face public criticism without being given a proper opportunity to respond. He compared the treatment of Indian artists with the way international performers might be treated in similar circumstances.
In the caption accompanying his video, Mika urged media organisations to verify allegations, seek responses from those involved and exercise caution when reporting potentially damaging claims.
He maintained that sensational headlines can have lasting consequences for public figures and called for greater fairness in coverage of the entertainment industry.
Uttarakhand minister interrupts Daler's performance
The controversy began on October 18, when Daler Mehndi was performing at the Kunjapuri Fair in Uttarakhand's Tehri district. The event was organised as part of the Navratri celebrations.
During the programme, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister and local MLA Subodh Uniyal reportedly walked onto the stage, interrupted the performance and reprimanded the singer over allegations that he had consumed alcohol before appearing at an event associated with the worship of Maa Durga.
The minister reportedly asked Daler to stop performing, turning the incident into a public confrontation in front of the audience.
The episode subsequently attracted attention on social media and in entertainment news, with questions being raised about the allegations and the manner in which the singer was addressed on stage.
Mika calls for fairness towards artists
Mika's intervention has shifted attention towards the need for evidence-based reporting and the treatment of performers during public events. He stressed that Daler's reputation and longstanding contribution to Indian music should not be overshadowed by unverified claims.
The singer also pointed to the widespread use of backing tracks in live performances, questioning why artists are not always judged by the same standards.
While Mika has firmly rejected the drinking allegations, the claims themselves remain disputed in the account provided. Independent evidence establishing whether Daler consumed alcohol before the performance has not been presented here.
For Mika, the central issue is that allegations should be examined fairly and artists should have an opportunity to explain their side before conclusions are drawn.
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Editorial team at Punjabi Mania. Passionate about bringing the latest updates from the Punjabi entertainment industry directly to you.
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