Daler Mehndi thanks Mika Singh in Diwali post after Uttarakhand row

Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his performance at the Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand. In a Diwali post on Instagram on Sunday, 8 November, the 59-year-old expressed gratitude for the support he received from fans, family and the music industry after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal publicly alleged that he appeared intoxicated and did not perform live despite being paid Rs 35 lakh.

Mehndi specifically thanked his brother Mika Singh, who had earlier defended him by revealing that the singer had recently undergone surgery and had not consumed alcohol. Mehndi wrote, 'My brother Mika stood up for me like a force to reckon with.' He also credited his wife Taran, son Gurdeep and daughters Rabab, Ajit and Prabhjot for their support. The singer invoked the Sikh belief of 'Ik Onkar', saying the experience reinforced his faith in unity and love. No next step has been announced by either side.

Update, 8 November 2026: Times of India and India Today now report Daler Mehndi's Diwali statement breaking his silence on the Uttarakhand performance row. Both outlets confirm that Mehndi thanked Mika Singh and his family for support after Minister Subodh Uniyal alleged he performed while intoxicated. Mika had previously said Mehndi underwent surgery and did not drink.