"Disoriented and Lip-Syncing": Minister Slams Daler Mehndi's Performance
Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal slams singer Daler Mehndi for a disoriented performance and alleged lip-syncing at the Maa Kunjapuri Mela.
A high-profile cultural event at the Maa Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri Garhwal has turned into a storm of controversy. Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister and Narendra Nagar MLA Subodh Uniyal has openly questioned the performance of legendary Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi, alleging that the artist was not only lip-syncing but appeared physically unstable on stage.
Minister Expresses Resentment Over Performance
The drama unfolded during a cultural programme organised as part of the Navratri festivities. A video has since gone viral showing Minister Subodh Uniyal objecting to the singer's act. Speaking to ANI, the Minister did not mince words regarding his disappointment with the veteran singer's conduct.
Uniyal pointed out that given Daler Mehndi's stature as a "big artist," there was an expectation of a high-quality, authentic performance. However, the Minister claimed that the singer seemed disoriented and struggled even to stand properly during the show.
"He seemed disoriented on stage and didn’t seem to be able to even keep standing. Besides this, he was only lip-syncing to his songs," Uniyal stated.
The Question of Compensation
The Minister further revealed the financial aspect of the engagement, adding a layer of frustration to his critique. According to Uniyal, the singer had been paid a significant sum to entertain the crowd, making the alleged lack of effort even more unacceptable.
"I told him that he is a big artist and he should do justice to his art; he had been offered Rs 35 lakh to come and perform, but he was not even singing," the Minister added, explaining why he expressed his resentment during the event.
Padma Shri Awardee Weighs In
The controversy gained more weight when renowned Uttarakhand folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Pritam Bhartwan shared his perspective on the incident. While Bhartwan refrained from speculating on the cause of the singer's behavior, he strongly backed the Minister's stance on artistic integrity.
When asked if the singer might have been under the influence of alcohol, Bhartwan noted that such a claim could only be confirmed by Mehndi or his team. However, he suggested that if the singer was unwell, he should have communicated that to the organisers.
The Definition of a 'Live' Show
Bhartwan emphasized that for an artist of Mehndi's reputation, relying on pre-recorded tracks is unacceptable in a live setting.
- Authenticity: A live performance must involve actual singing, not just mimicking a track.
- Reputation: Artists of high stature should perform in a manner that matches their fame.
- Professionalism: Pre-recorded tracks have no place in a genuine live concert.
Bhartwan concluded by stating his firm opposition to the use of playback tracks, asserting that a "live" performance must be exactly that—live.