Breaking his silence on the recent controversy surrounding his performance at the Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand, Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi shared an emotional statement. The 59-year-old expressed gratitude to his fans, family, and industry colleagues for standing by him during a difficult phase.Mehndi reflected on the overwhelming support he received after Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal publicly alleged that he appeared intoxicated and was not singing live during the Rs 35 lakh event.
The singer mentioned that he would never forget the kindness shown to him.Sharing his gratitude with his followers on Instagram, the veteran artist, in his statement, wrote, "Over the years, I have received so much love through my music and on every stage I have stood. But what I have experienced recently has touched me in a way that is difficult to put into words.
The way you stood by me, the way you spoke for me, the faith you showed in me and the love you gave me I don’t think I can ever fully express what it has meant to me (sic)."Highlighting the backbone of his support system, the singer credited his immediate family for pulling him through the ordeal.He made a special mention of his brother and fellow musician Mika Singh — who had earlier demanded an apology from the minister while revealing that the veteran singer had recently undergone surgery, adding, "My family has been my greatest strength through this time. My brother Mika stood up for me like a force to reckon with (sic)."Mehndi further extended appreciation to his wife Taran, son Gurdeep, and daughters Rabab, Ajit, and Prabhjot for their unwavering belief and unconditional love.Acknowledging the broader fraternity that rallied behind him, the singer expressed appreciation for the overwhelming solidarity shown from across the nation.He wrote, "To the entire music and entertainment industry, to everyone who reached out from every corner of India, to my fans and to the entire nation – thank you for this Saropao of love, faith and respect (sic)."Reflecting on the rare privilege of witnessing public affection firsthand rather than posthumously, the singer considered himself fortunate to experience such devotion during his lifetime, highlighting that to see and feel it while being able to say thank you meant everything.Concluding his festive message, Mehndi added, “This Diwali, the diyas will shine in every home, but mere dil mein jo roshni aap sabke pyaar ne jagayi hai, woh mere liye sabse khaas hai (the light that your love has lit within my heart is what is most precious to me).
With all my love, Daler Mehndi (sic).”The controversy erupted after Daler Mehndi headlined the Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand, an event that drew heavy public and political attention. Proceedings took an unexpected turn when Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal walked straight onto the stage during the live performance, openly questioning the veteran artist's act.
The minister alleged that the singer appeared intoxicated and was lip-syncing instead of performing live, despite the administration having reportedly shelled out Rs 35 lakh for the high-profile concert.The public onstage confrontation immediately ignited a massive debate across political and entertainment circles, drawing sharp reactions from industry insiders. Stepping up to protect his elder brother, singer Mika Singh launched a vociferous defense, rubbishing the minister's claims of intoxication and revealing that the veteran singer had recently undergone surgery.Demanding an unconditional public apology from the cabinet minister, Mika Singh's strong rejoinder helped polarise public opinion, turning the local administrative dispute into a major entertainment industry talking point- Ends