Punjabi music legend Daler Mehndi has publicly expressed gratitude to his brother Mika Singh, his family, and his vast fanbase for rallying behind him after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal criticised him on stage, allegedly accusing the singer of performing while intoxicated. Mehndi shared his heartfelt response in a lengthy note on Instagram on Sunday, 8 November 2026, coinciding with the Diwali festivities.

Mehndi's Diwali Message of Gratitude

In his post, Mehndi described the outpouring of support as an experience that was 'difficult to put into words.' He wrote: '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. I have read your messages, heard your words and felt your prayers. And through it all, I have felt deeply humbled and grateful.'

The singer noted that he felt fortunate to witness such an expression of public love during his own lifetime — a sentiment he described as more profound than posthumous tributes that artists often receive.

Mika Singh Emerges as 'A Force to Reckon With'

Mehndi singled out his brother Mika Singh for particular praise, writing that Mika 'stood up for me like a force to reckon with.' He also credited his wife Taran for her 'courage and unwavering belief,' his associate Gurdeep for 'quiet poise and resilience,' and his daughters Rabab, Ajit, and Prabhjot for their 'unconditional love.' Each family member, he said, had supported him in their own distinct way during the difficult period.

Mehndi extended his thanks beyond his immediate family to encompass 'the entire music and entertainment industry, to everyone who reached out from every corner of India, to my fans and to the entire nation,' calling the collective response a 'Saropao of love, faith and respect.'

The Controversy: What Subodh Uniyal Said

The row originated when Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal reportedly criticised Daler Mehndi on stage, alleging that the singer had been performing while intoxicated. The public rebuke of a nationally celebrated artist by a sitting minister drew sharp reactions from across the entertainment fraternity and triggered widespread solidarity with Mehndi.

This comes amid a broader conversation in India about the treatment of performing artists at government-organised or state-associated events, where protocol and conduct expectations can at times clash with the creative environment performers are accustomed to.

Mehndi on Unity and the Spirit of IK ONKAR

Invoking the Sikh philosophical tenet of IK ONKAR — meaning 'One God' or the oneness of all — Mehndi framed the support he received as a reminder of shared humanity. 'You have reminded me of IK ONKAR in its truest spirit — that we are all one, bound by love and respect,' he wrote. He added that family, in his view, extends beyond bloodlines to those who stand beside a person in their most trying moments.

As the controversy continues to reverberate across the entertainment industry and political circles, attention will likely turn to whether Minister Uniyal or the Uttarakhand government responds formally to the criticism directed at the minister's conduct.