Mika Singh says Daler Mehndi wasn't drunk, links viral video to recent surgery

Singer Mika Singh has strongly defended his brother, veteran artist Daler Mehndi, after a video from a stage show in Uttarakhand went viral, declaring that he will quit music if anyone can prove his sibling consumes alcohol. Accompanied by a caption within his video statement that read, "If you ever see Daler Mehndi drinking alcohol, I will quit singing – Mika Singh's bold statement (sic)," the singer hit back at critics and online trolls.Addressing the online backlash following the performance in Narendranagar — where MLA Subodh Uniyal publicly accused Daler of intoxication — Mika argued that the veteran singer was physically unwell due to a recent major surgery. Highlighting Daler’s three-decade-long career as a superstar, Mika emphasised that his brother has never been associated with drinking and honourably fulfilled a professional commitment despite his fragile health.Detailing the realities of life on tour, Mika explained that artists frequently honour commitments regardless of physical exhaustion or illness. "We artists often say yes when someone asks us...Even if we have a 104-degree fever, it doesn't matter. If I am sick and have a show, and I have already committed, then even if the budget is big or small, I will do it. He (Daler) must have done the same (sic)," Mika said.Refuting the intoxication allegations, Mika acknowledged that while the minister had every right to question the performance quality after paying for the event, branding the singer as drunk was entirely false. "I challenge anyone, if even one person can say 'we have seen Daler drinking alcohol', I will quit singing (sic)," he added.The controversy erupted after clips surfaced from the Uttarakhand stage show, showing Subodh Uniyal stepping onto the stage and expressing anger over the performance. The politician accused Daler of failing to sing properly and alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol, sparking widespread social media commentary ranging from mockery to fan backlash.Meanwhile, apart from his live concerts, Daler had reprised his iconic song, Na Na Na Na Na Re in the 2024 comedy film, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. The film featured actors Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri in key roles.- Ends