'You’re not even able to speak': Minister scolds ‘drunk’ Daler Mehndi on stage
Dehradun: What was anticipated as the high point of the annual Kunjapuri Fair in Narendra Nagar in Tehri Garhwal turned into a major disappointment on Sunday evening, leaving thousands of eager fans dismayed after Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi allegedly failed to perform properly, leading to Uttarakhand cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal publicly censuring him for performing while allegedly drunk.Thousands of music lovers from across Tehri Garhwal had gathered to watch the iconic performer live.
The initial excitement soon gave way to discontent just minutes into the show.After struggling through one or two songs, spectators noticed that the lead vocals were being dubbed over tracks while Mehndi struggled to articulate clearly on microphone. As the crowd grew agitated over what they perceived as fake singing, the atmosphere turned sour.Attendees said that the singer appeared intoxicated and was unable to speak coherently, stripping the event of his signature energetic live performance.Seated in the audience as the event’s chief guest, minister Uniyal, who is also MLA for Narendranagar, Tehri, walked onto the stage to confront the artist directly, reminding him that the concert was organised as part of a sacred navratri festival dedicated to goddess Durga.Standing alongside Mehndi on stage, Uniyal berated him over the microphone.
“We have given so much money and called you for the entertainment of people, and you are fooling us. You have a big name, that’s why you were called here. You are unable to even speak, how will you sing?” said Uniyal.In viral video clips, Mehndi can be seen folding his hands and interrupting the minister, pleading, “Sir, I request you with folded hands... please leave the stage.”Following the controversy, organisers claimed Mehndi’s team attributed his poor vocal delivery to ill health, maintaining that the singer chose to go on stage despite feeling unwell.
Organisers also disclosed that Mehndi was brought in as a last-minute replacement after another slated artist’s appearance could not be finalised.Despite the minister’s intervention, the evening limped to a close without Mehndi’s characteristic live flair, leaving thousands of attendees disheartened.Stay updated with the latest Dehradun news. Download the TOI App.
