Celebrities rally behind Daler Mehndi amid performance controversy (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: Actor and comedian Kapil Sharma, rapper Badshah and singer Mika Singh have come out in support of veteran singer Daler Mehndi amid criticism over his performance at a Navratri event in Uttarakhand, urging people to show compassion and respect towards the artist.
The controversy erupted on October 18 at the Kunjapuri Fair, where Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal reportedly interrupted Daler Mehndi’s performance, alleging that the singer had consumed alcohol before taking the stage. The incident triggered criticism and trolling on social media, prompting several artists to defend the singer.
Kapil Sharma appealed for greater sensitivity, revealing that Daler Mehndi had undergone a serious surgery that many people were unaware of. In a post on Instagram Stories, the host of *The Great Indian Kapil Show* urged people not to judge others without knowing what they might be going through.
"@thedalermehndiofficial paaji went through some serious surgery which people don't know. All we need is to be little kinder towards other. We don’t know what someone is going through. (sic)"
Kapil also thanked Mika Singh for defending his elder brother and addressing the allegations.
"Thank you @m ikasingh paaji for the clarification. May god bless Daler paaji (halo and folded hands emojis) we love you Daler paaji (Red heart and folded hands emoticons) (sic)," he wrote.
Badshah also expressed disappointment over the public criticism directed at Daler Mehndi, describing him as a legend whose contribution to Indian music should not be overlooked.
“Daler Mehndi paaji is a legend. Period. You can express disappointment. But publicly humiliating an artist who has given so much to our music industry is extremely disheartening. Legends deserve dignity, especially when they're vulnerable. Respect, always,” he wrote on Instagram Stories.
Mika Singh challenged anyone to prove that his elder brother drinks alcohol, saying he would quit singing if they could do so. Explaining that performers sometimes honour prior commitments even when unwell, he said Daler Mehndi might have continued with the show despite not feeling well.
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Palash Sen also defended the veteran singer, calling him a brother and praising his contribution to music and philanthropy.
“Dear Daler, To the world, you are a legend, a pioneer, and the King of Bhangra who brought joy and unforgettable music to millions across the globe. But to me, you are simply my brother—a person with a heart far bigger and kinder than most will ever know.”
