Mika meets CM Dhami, asks him to get BJP MLA to issue video apology in Daler row

Singer Mika Singh on Friday said he spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to discuss the row involving his elder brother, Daler Mehndi. The 59-year-old singer was accused by BJP MLA Subodh Uniyal of performing at an event in Tehri under the influence of alcohol. In a detailed post on X, Mika revealed that he had requested Dhami to ask Uniyal to release a clarification video and apologise to Mehndi for his allegations."My only humble request to him is to please ask Shri @SubodhUniyal1 ji to make a simple video clarifying his statement and apologising to Daler Bhai for saying that he was drunk during the performance (sic)," he wrote in his post.Mika also said that the matter could be viewed as a "misunderstanding" on Uniyal's part if he apologised. "I believe misunderstandings can happen, but they can also be resolved gracefully. I hope this small gesture will help put the matter to rest and ensure that Daler Bhai’s dignity and reputation are respected (sic)," he added.Good morning! I have immense respect for the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, @pushkardhami ji. He personally called me regarding the matter involving Daler Bhai, and I truly appreciate his gesture. I know Dhami Saab very well. He is a humble, down-to-earth person, and I have great respect for him. My only humble request to him is to please ask Shri @SubodhUniyal1 ji to make a simple video clarifying his statement and apologising to Daler Bhai for saying that he was drunk during the performance. I believe misunderstandings can happen, but they can also be resolved gracefully. I hope this small gesture will help put the matter to rest and ensure that Daler Bhai’s dignity and reputation are respected. I have faith in Dhami Saab’s understanding and leadership.— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) October 23, 2026Mehndi, who was performing at a Navratri event in Tehri last weekend, was interrupted by Uniyal on stage. The minister alleged on camera that the singer was not fit to perform. "You are unable to speak, how will you sing?" he said, further accusing the Punjabi singer of disrespecting the spirit of Navratri and his fans by performing while "drunk". In subsequent interviews, Uniyal also said that the organisers had paid Mehndi Rs 35 lakh for his performance and that if he was feeling unwell, he could have simply chosen not to perform.In a post, Mika objected to Uniyal's claims, saying that his brother, a legendary pop artist, had been unwell for some time, which could explain why he did not perform as expected. However, he maintained that publicly humiliating Mehndi and interrupting his performance in that manner was disrespectful not only to the singer but also to the entire artist community. "I have faith in Dhami Saab's understanding and leadership," Mika wrote while concluding his post on X.The way Minister @SubodhUniyal1 ji spoke on stage was extremely rude and disrespectful. An artist deserves dignity, regardless of the circumstances. He reportedly said on stage, “Yahan aapse pehle @manindarbuttar pit ke gaya tha. Itna pita tha ki ab uska baap bhi nahi aa sakta yahan se.” Is this really the language a minister should use for artists? What kind of behaviour is this? Artists come to perform, entertain people, and honour their commitments. They deserve respect, not humiliation from a public platform. Subodh Uniyal ji, do you want artists to stop coming to Uttarakhand? Such an attitude can discourage artists from performing in a state that we all love. Please remember that the people have given you the position you hold today. Public office comes with responsibility, humility, and accountability. I have immense love and respect for Uttarakhand, but artists deserve respect too. I sincerely hope you will reflect on your words and address this matter with dignity. Respect is a two-way street.— King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) October 23, 2026Following Mika's video in support of Mehndi, several other artists from the industry, including Anupam Kher, Ila Arun, Shaan, Kapil Sharma, Badshah, Sudesh Lahiri, Palaash Sen, Alisha Chinai, Harshdeep Kaur, Jassi, Gurdas Maan and Rajpal Yadav, among others, extended their support to the 59-year-old singer.On Thursday, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the treatment meted out to Mehndi on stage.Uniyal has not commented on the matter since.Mehndi rose to fame in the 1990s with his energetic voice and lively, bhangra-inspired numbers. The 59-year-old singer became a household name with hit songs such as Bolo Ta Ra Ra, Tunak Tunak Tun, Ho Jayegi Balle Balle and Dardi Rab Rab Kardi. He also lent his voice to popular Bollywood tracks, including Na Na Na Na Re from Mrityudata and the title track of Rang De Basanti.Over the years, his music has reached younger audiences through songs such as Dangal, Jagga Jiteya from Uri: The Surgical Strike and Jiyo Re Baahubali from Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. His distinctive singing style and blend of Punjabi folk and pop have made him a prominent name in Indian music.- Ends