Subodh Uniyal Denies Apologising to Daler Mehndi Over Event Row

Uttarakhand cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal has denied reports that he apologised to singer Daler Mehndi following their public confrontation at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri. The dispute arose after Uniyal interrupted Mehndi’s performance during the event’s cultural evening on October 18, triggering criticism and support for the singer from several celebrities.

In a recent interview with Satya Vani, Uniyal dismissed claims that he had apologised and defended his criticism of the singer’s performance. He also alleged that Mehndi had failed to meet audience expectations despite receiving a substantial fee to perform.

The controversy has drawn attention to conflicting accounts of the alleged payment, the singer’s health at the time of the event and whether an apology was offered following the confrontation.

Subodh Uniyal Says There Was No Question of Apologising

During his interview with Satya Vani, Uniyal was asked whether he had apologised to Daler Mehndi after the incident. The minister rejected the reports, saying, “Mera maafi maangne ka prashn hi nahi hai,” which translates to, “There is no question of me apologising.”

He went on to question why he should apologise, asking whether he had committed a crime.

Un iyal argued that if Mehndi was unwell, the singer should have informed the event organisers and the audience about his condition. According to the minister, the audience had arrived expecting a performance, and those expectations were not met.

He said, “If he was unwell, he should not have come. Even if he did come, he should have informed the audience that he was unwell.”

The minister further criticised the singer over the alleged payment, stating that accepting money while failing to fulfil the audience’s expectations was the central issue.

“The wrongdoing was taking Rs. 26 lakh and dashing the expectations of the public,” Uniyal said, according to the translation provided in the report.

His remarks make clear that he continues to defend his position following the confrontation. However, the singer’s reported health concerns and the circumstances surrounding the performance have also been cited by supporters as important context.

Dispute Over Daler Mehndi’s Performance Fee

The amount allegedly paid to Daler Mehndi has become another point of discussion following the incident.

In his latest interview, Uniyal claimed that the singer had received ₹26 lakh to perform at the event. However, the minister had previously told ANI that Mehndi had charged ₹35 lakh for the performance.

The difference between the two figures has added another element to the controversy. The amounts represent Uniyal’s claims, and the available report does not independently establish the final payment or contractual terms.

The minister’s criticism was based on his view that the audience had not received the performance it expected. He maintained that a performer who is unable to sing because of illness should communicate that situation to the organisers and attendees.

The incident has also raised questions about how organisers and performers handle unexpected health issues during public events. When a scheduled performance is affected, communication with the audience can become an important part of managing expectations.

However, the circumstances of Mehndi’s health and the full arrangements for the performance would need to be established before drawing conclusions about responsibility for what happened.

Why Were Reports of an Apology Circulating?

Following the confrontation, several reports suggested that Subodh Uniyal had apologised to Daler Mehndi. A statement attributed to Mika Singh’s team, acknowledging an apology, was also circulated, contributing to the impression that the dispute had been addressed.

Uniyal has now disputed those reports in his latest interaction with Satya Vani, saying that there was no question of him apologising.

The differing accounts have created confusion about whether an apology was offered directly by the minister or communicated through another representative.

Mika Singh, who publicly supported Mehndi after the incident, separately said that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had apologised on Uniyal’s behalf. Mika described his conversation with the chief minister as polite and respectful.

These accounts refer to different aspects of the reported apology: Uniyal has denied personally apologising, while Mika said the chief minister offered an apology on the minister’s behalf. The distinction is important when understanding the conflicting statements surrounding the controversy.

What Happened Between Subodh Uniyal and Daler Mehndi?

The incident took place on October 18 during the cultural evening of the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand.

Daler Mehndi was performing when Subodh Uniyal interrupted him mid-performance. The minister reprimanded the singer and questioned his condition on stage, including his inability to sing as expected.

The exchange quickly attracted public attention and became a controversy involving the singer’s health, the expectations of the audience and the minister’s conduct.

Mehndi’s supporters argued that his health condition should be taken into account when assessing the performance. Several celebrities, including Rajpal Yadav, Shaan, Kapil Sharma and Anupam Kher, reportedly expressed support for the singer.

Their reactions helped bring wider attention to the incident, turning a dispute at a local cultural event into a broader public discussion about how artists should be treated when they face difficulties during performances.

Uniyal, meanwhile, has maintained that his objection was connected to the expectations of the audience and the money allegedly paid for the performance.

Mika Singh Says Uttarakhand Chief Minister Apologised

Mika Singh also became involved in the aftermath of the incident. He met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and later spoke about their conversation at a press conference.

According to Mika, Dhami apologised on behalf of Uniyal and assured him that he and Daler Mehndi would be treated with respect during future visits to Uttarakhand.

Mika said he had spoken with the chief minister, whom he described as an elder brother, a dear friend and someone he held in high regard. He praised Dhami’s polite and humble communication during the conversation.

Mika also said that he had told the chief minister an apology was not necessary because, in his view, Dhami had not made the mistake himself. Nevertheless, he said the chief minister assured him that both singers would receive respect if they visited the state again.

The statement offered a different perspective from Uniyal’s latest remarks. While the minister denied apologising, Mika said the chief minister had expressed regret on his behalf.

The distinction has become central to the continuing debate over how the dispute was handled and whether the apology reports accurately described the events.

Celebrities Rally Behind Daler Mehndi

The controversy prompted several members of the entertainment industry to express support for Daler Mehndi. Rajpal Yadav, Shaan, Kapil Sharma and Anupam Kher were among the celebrities reported to have spoken in the singer’s defence.

Their support centred on reports that Mehndi had not been keeping well. Supporters argued that his health condition should be considered when evaluating what happened during the performance.

The reactions also highlighted the sensitivity surrounding public confrontations involving artists. A disagreement on stage can quickly become a larger debate when clips circulate online and celebrities weigh in.

For Mehndi, the public support provided a counterpoint to the criticism directed at his performance. For Uniyal, the issue remains one of audience expectations and the responsibility to communicate an inability to perform.

The competing perspectives show why the controversy has continued beyond the original event. The minister’s latest denial of an apology has brought the disagreement back into focus.

What Happens Next in the Daler Mehndi Controversy?

The dispute remains centred on three key questions: what happened during the performance, what fee was agreed upon and whether an apology was offered following the confrontation.

Uniyal has rejected reports that he personally apologised and defended his criticism of Mehndi’s performance. Mika Singh, meanwhile, has said that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami apologised on the minister’s behalf.

The reported fee also remains inconsistent, with Uniyal citing ₹26 lakh in his latest interview and ₹35 lakh in an earlier interaction with ANI. The available information does not independently verify either figure.

As the conflicting accounts continue to circulate, further clarification from the people involved could help establish the details of the incident and the subsequent conversations.

For now, Uniyal’s latest remarks indicate that he stands by his position, while the controversy continues to draw attention to the singer’s health, the audience’s expectations and the question of accountability at public performances.