Anupam Kher Backs Daler Mehndi, Says Singer Has Been Unwell for Years

Mumbai, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has come out in support of singer Daler Mehndi following the controversy over his performance at a cultural event in Uttarakhand, questioning the decision of state Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal to confront the singer publicly on stage.

In a video shared on social media, Kher said he had known Mehndi for 20 to 30 years and described him as one of the finest people he had met. He expressed concern about the singer’s health, saying he understood that Mehndi had not been well for the past two to three years.

Clarifying that he had not witnessed the incident personally, Kher said he did not know exactly what had transpired during the performance. He also said that, to his knowledge, Mehndi did not drink alcohol.

Kher suggested that the singer might have been unwell but could have felt obliged to honour his commitment to the organisers. He also raised the possibility that Mehndi had been lip-syncing, while emphasising that he was not in a position to establish what had happened.

The actor objected to the manner in which the singer was addressed in front of an audience, saying any complaint about a performance could have been raised privately and respectfully rather than through a public confrontation.

“But I just felt bad that nobody should speak to anybody like that, especially on an open forum. This is not fair. It is wrong to publicly slander someone like this,” Kher said.

He also appealed to members of the entertainment industry to speak up, arguing that supporting a fellow artist should not be left to Mika Singh, Daler Mehndi’s younger brother, alone.

Addressing Mehndi directly, Kher expressed confidence in the singer’s judgement, professionalism and character, and wished him a speedy recovery. He apologised for the experience the singer had endured and said the incident had saddened him.

Kher also highlighted Mehndi’s contribution to music over approximately 35 years, saying the singer’s work had brought happiness to audiences and deserved appreciation.

The controversy erupted following Mehndi’s performance at the annual Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. During the event, Uniyal reportedly interrupted the singer and questioned his presentation. The exchange subsequently circulated widely on social media, triggering debate over the minister’s conduct and the treatment of the veteran performer.