Singer Gurdeep Mehndi has spoken about the controversy involving his father, Punjabi music star Daler Mehndi, and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, describing the episode as painful for their family. Gurdeep revealed that when he returned to India after learning about the incident, he asked his father what had happened. Daler reassured him that he was fine, responding, “First class, main theek hoon.”
In a video shared on social media on October 24, Gurdeep said the incident had caused considerable distress within the family. He also clarified that his earlier comments about his father’s reaction were not intended to minimise the seriousness of the controversy.
The episode began during a cultural programme in Uttarakhand, where the minister interrupted Daler’s performance and questioned his conduct on stage. The incident subsequently attracted widespread attention and prompted several members of the entertainment industry to publicly support the singer.
Gurdeep Mehndi Says Family Is Dealing With the Incident Together
Gurdeep explained that he was outside India when the controversy erupted. After learning what had happened, he returned to meet his father and understand the situation personally.
Recalling their conversation, he said he asked Daler, “Papa ji, kya hua?” His father responded that everything was fine, using his characteristic light-hearted manner to reassure him.
According to Gurdeep, Daler has a habit of dealing with difficult circumstances through humour and positivity. This was also why the singer had spoken casually about the episode during a subsequent appearance.
Gurdeep clarified that his remarks had been interpreted differently from what he intended. He stressed that the incident had affected the family emotionally and that they were dealing with the situation together.
He also thanked supporters who had reached out to the family during the controversy, expressing gratitude to members of the film and music industries who had stood by his father.
What Happened During Daler Mehndi’s Uttarakhand Performance?
The controversy arose during Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand.
During the programme, Subodh Uniyal interrupted the singer and questioned his ability to perform. The minister alleged that Daler appeared disoriented and suggested that he was under the influence of alcohol. He also questioned whether the singer was performing live or lip-syncing.
The incident was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, prompting debate about the treatment of performers at public events.
Uniyal later defended his intervention, saying he believed the singer was not doing justice to his performance. He also argued that concerns about an artist’s physical condition should be communicated clearly before an event.
The allegation that Daler was intoxicated has not been independently established. The singer’s supporters have strongly disputed the suggestion.
Mika Singh Defends His Brother
Singer Mika Singh, Daler’s younger brother, publicly came to his defence following the incident. Mika said Daler did not consume alcohol and pointed to his brother’s health difficulties and recovery from surgery.
Mika criticised the decision to reprimand the singer in front of the audience, arguing that concerns about his condition could have been handled privately and with greater sensitivity.
He also thanked members of the entertainment industry who expressed support for Daler during the controversy.
Mika subsequently said that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had spoken with the brothers and offered reassurance that Daler would continue to be welcomed in the state. According to Mika, the Chief Minister apologised on behalf of the minister.
The exchange helped open the way for the dispute to move towards a resolution.
Entertainment Industry Extends Support
The controversy prompted reactions from several people in the film and music industries, with supporters emphasising the importance of treating performers respectfully, even when questions arise about the quality of a performance.
The episode also sparked discussion about how organisers should respond when an artist appears unwell or unable to perform as expected.
Gurdeep’s statement has now added the family’s perspective to that debate. While he acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident, he thanked those who had offered encouragement and support.
For the Mehndi family, the immediate priority appears to be moving forward after a difficult episode. Gurdeep’s remarks underline that, despite his father’s reassuring response, the controversy has remained a source of concern for those closest to the singer.
