"You are a public servant, not its boss": Mika Singh slams Minister over Daler Mehndi row
Singer Mika Singh urges Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal to apologize after alleged remarks tarnished Daler Mehndi's reputation.
In a heated defense of his brother, singer Mika Singh has called out Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, urging him to apologize for alleged derogatory remarks made against veteran singer Daler Mehndi. The controversy, which has sparked a wave of emotion and public debate, centers on comments allegedly made by the minister during a public event, where Daler Mehndi's conduct was questioned.
A Heartbreaking Revelation
Speaking at a press conference on October 23, Mika Singh revealed the emotional toll the incident took on his brother. Mika shared that he first learned about the controversy after finishing a show in Surat. When he finally managed to connect with Daler the following day, the experience was harrowing.
"When I called Paaji the next day, he broke down crying because he was emotional. I hadn't even said anything, and he had already started crying," Mika recalled.
Mika admitted he was shocked by the situation and spent time contemplating how to respond, firmly believing that Daler had done nothing to warrant such treatment.
The Demand for an Apology
While the family is not seeking legal action or pursuing a personal vendetta, Mika Singh remained steadfast in his demand for a formal apology. The core of the grievance lies in the minister allegedly labeling Daler Mehndi as an "alcoholic" on a public platform.
"I still have a request: Subodh Ji, it would be the right thing to do if you could call Daler Ji and apologise," Mika stated. He emphasized that such labels could permanently tarnish the singer's global reputation, as people worldwide might take the minister's words as fact.
Internal Family Discussions
Mika also disclosed the private conversations he had with Daler following the event. He suggested that Daler should have either declined the performance if he was feeling unwell or stood up for himself in the moment.
- Mika advised Daler that if a minister scolds an artist, they should respond firmly, stating they are not "bought" performers.
- Daler, however, expressed his discomfort with confrontation, telling Mika, "You know I cannot speak to anyone by shouting."
Intervention by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
The tension saw a slight dip following the intervention of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The CM personally called Daler Mehndi to inquire about his well-being and discuss the recent events. According to the CMO, the Chief Minister reminded all parties that Uttarakhand follows the tradition of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (the guest is equivalent to God), where artists and culture are always respected.
Mika Singh praised the Chief Minister, describing him as a "wonderful," "humble," and "down-to-earth" person. He noted that because of the CM's warmth and kindness, the family is now inclined to put the controversy to rest, as Daler himself has suggested that the matter should not be prolonged.
Beyond Daler Mehndi
The singer's grievances didn't stop with his brother. Mika also raised objections regarding the language allegedly used by Minister Subodh Uniyal toward other artists, specifically mentioning singer Maninder Buttar, who had performed at the same event prior to Daler Mehndi.
Despite the friction, Mika confirmed that Daler is currently doing much better and is "fit and fine," though the call for respect toward artists remains the central theme of his appeal.