Mumbai, October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Comedian and actor Sudesh Lehri has come out in support of singer Daler Mehndi, criticising the manner in which he was addressed publicly on stage and urging people to treat artists with dignity and respect.
In a video message shared on Instagram, Sudesh said he was speaking up for Daler because, as an artist himself, he understood the emotional side of performers. He also recalled his 30-year association with the singer, saying he had learnt valuable lessons from him about stage performances and professionalism.
“I am not making this video for myself. I am making this video for our beloved artist, Mr. Daler Mehndi. Friends, I am an artist and I can feel what an artist is. How soft and emotional an artist is. The videos that you are watching for Daler Mehndi through news or whatever people are uploading. The way they are being presented is very wrong,” Sudesh said.
Recalling his long association with the singer, he added, “I know him personally for 30 years. We have learned so much from him about the stage. How to respect the stage, how to go on stage, how to live, how to show, how to be professional.”
Sudesh said artists from Punjab, India and other parts of the world had learnt from Daler. He objected to the singer being reprimanded in front of an audience, arguing that such matters could be addressed privately.
“I say, even if you want to talk to an artist, you can easily talk behind the stage. There can be some other way. But talking to an artist on stage in this way is very wrong,” he said.
Sudesh also addressed the allegation that Daler had consumed alcohol before his performance, saying he had never seen the singer drinking during their three decades of acquaintance.
“I have never seen him drinking until today. Nor has anyone said that he is intoxicated, he drinks. I have never seen,” he said.
Concluding his message, Sudesh wished Daler good health and assured him of his support. “Daler Mehndi ji, get well soon. May you be in good health. We are all with you. Love you,” he said.
Several other members of the entertainment industry, including Mika Singh, Palesh Sen, Sudesh Berry, Anupam Kher, Badshah and Kapil Sharma, have also expressed support for Daler.
The controversy arose on October 18, when Daler was performing at the Kunjapuri Fair in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district, a cultural gathering held during the Navratri festivities.
During the performance, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister and local MLA Subodh Uniyal reportedly walked onto the stage and reprimanded the singer in front of the audience. Uniyal directed Daler to stop performing, alleging that he had appeared on stage after consuming alcohol at an event dedicated to Goddess Durga.
The incident has since prompted reactions from members of the entertainment industry, with several voices calling for artists to be treated respectfully.
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