Can't even speak, how will you sing? Minister confronts allegedly drunk Daler Mehndi

“You can’t even speak, so how are you going to sing?” Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal asked singer Daler Mehndi after confronting him on stage over alleged alcohol consumption during a performance at the Kunjapuri Mela in Narendra Nagar, Tehri. Uniyal, the MLA from Narendra Nagar, asked Mehndi to stop performing at the night-time cultural programme.The minister said the Navratri event was dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and that performing while under the influence of alcohol was inappropriate on such an occasion. A video of the exchange has since gone viral.Mehndi was performing at the fair when Uniyal stepped onto the stage. The minister reportedly intervened after the singer allegedly appeared intoxicated during the performance.Uniyal told Mehndi that the programme was part of a religious observance during Navratri. He urged the singer to respect the dignity and sanctity of the event, saying that performing while intoxicated was entirely inappropriate at a programme dedicated to Goddess Durga. “Bol toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge? (You can’t even speak, so how are you going to sing?)” Uniyal can be heard saying this in the video.A video from the Kunjapuri Mela in Narendranagar, Tehri Garhwal, is drawing attention, showing Cabinet Minister and local MLA Subodh Uniyal objecting on stage during a performance by Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi. In the video, Uniyal can be heard telling him, “Bol toh jaa nahi raha, gaana kya gaoge?”— Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) October 19, 2026The incident has become a major topic of discussion in the region. Many people have supported the minister’s intervention, saying it was necessary to maintain decorum during the religious proceedings. The Kunjapuri Mela is an important centre of religious faith and cultural traditions.More about Daler Mehndi’s musical careerMehndi is among India’s most popular Punjabi pop singers. He is known for bringing bhangra and Punjabi folk influences into mainstream Indian music. He rose to fame in the 1990s with his energetic voice, distinctive style and lively performances.His hit songs include Bolo Ta Ra Ra, Tunak Tunak Tun, Ho Jayegi Balle Balle and Dardi Rab Rab Kardi. He also found success with Bollywood tracks such as Na Na Na Na Re from Mrityudata, Rang De Basanti from the film of the same name and Ishq Na Kariyo Kakke from Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.His music reached younger audiences through songs such as Dangal from the film of the same name, Jagga Jiteya from Uri: The Surgical Strike and Jiyo Re Baahubali from Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. His signature vocals, catchy beats and fusion of folk and pop helped establish Punjabi pop as a major force in India’s independent music scene.- Ends(With inputs from Pankaj Bhatt)