Daler Mehndi Received ₹35 Lakh for Uttarakhand Event, Minister Says Amid Criticism of Singer’s Professionalism

Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi made headlines after a tiff he had on the stage at the cultural event of the historic Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri, Uttarakhand on Sunday night over an objection by the cabinet minister of the state, Subodh Uniyal, against his performance. Now, the minister has announced that the singer had been paid ₹35 lakh for singing at the event.

Daler Mehndi was offered ₹35 lakh to perform

He was only lip-syncing his songs and I told him that he is a big artist and he should do justice to his art, he was given ₹35 lakh to come and perform but he was not even singing, he seemed disoriented on the stage, I said that I expressed my resentment," Subodh Uniyal said in a conversation with ANI.

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What did the event entail?

While Daler Mehndi was playing at the celebration, he was interrupted by Subodh Uniyal who scolded him for getting lost in the act. It was alleged that the singer was under the influence of alcohol and was barely able to sing but these allegations cannot be independently confirmed.

Throughout the programme the minister expressed his objection to the singer and heard him saying: "You can't even speak, so how are you going to sing?

Speaking at the event, Subodh Uniyal told the audience that they had reached the venue to listen to Daler sing and so he should perform with their expectations in mind. The minister also said that precautions be taken to decorate the event, as it was being conducted in the religious season of Navratri.

There are also reports of a video of the incident circulating on social media. In the clip, the minister can be heard telling Daler Mehndi, "We called you so that our people could be entertained. You are making a fool of us. This is wrong. It's wrong. You have a big name; we should respect that. You were called because you have a big name."

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About Daler Mehndi

One of the most popular Punjabi pop singers in India, Daler Mehndi is renowned for popularizing bhangra and Indian pop music. Congolese pop star rose to fame in the 1990s with successful songs like Bolo Ta Ra Ra, Dardi Rab Rab and Ho Jayegi Balle Balle.

Mehndi has also provided narration in Hindi films like Na Na Na Re (Mrityudata) and Paathshaala (Rang De Basanti) over the years.

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