Daler Mehndi row: Singer Mika Singh's team responds after BJP minister's apology

Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal has reportedly issued an apology to Daler Mehndi after interrupting the singer’s performance at a religious fair and questioning his condition on stage. The apology, reportedly made over a phone call, has now drawn a response from singer Mika Singh’s team, which has welcomed the move and hopes the row can finally be put to rest. The apology came days after Uniyal questioned Daler's condition on stage and accused him of being drunk and lip-syncing, prompting Singh to defend him and call for artists to be treated with respect.In a statement, Mika’s team said it appreciated Uniyal reaching out to Daler over the telephone and hoped the matter could now be put behind them."We appreciate that Subodh Uniyal ji has apologised to Daler Mehndi paaji over a telephonic conversation regarding the unfortunate incident. Respecting artists and their dignity is extremely important," the statement read.The team also highlighted Daler’s contribution to the music industry, adding that every artist deserved to be treated with respect. It expressed hope that everyone involved could move forward with "mutual respect and understanding". The controversy erupted on October 18 during the Kunjapuri Devi Mela in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Uniyal interrupted Daler’s performance and questioned his condition in front of the audience, alleging that the singer was under the influence of alcohol and lip-syncing. His remarks drew criticism, with many questioning the way the veteran performer was addressed on stage.Mika stepped in to defend his elder brother, saying Daler doesn’t consume alcohol and had been unwell during the performance. He also called for an apology, stressing that senior artists should be treated with dignity. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami later contacted the Mehndi brothers and apologised on the minister’s behalf. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Mika praised Dhami for handling the matter with warmth and humility. He also revealed that the Chief Minister had invited both brothers to Uttarakhand.Mika said he appreciated Dhami’s approach and felt the Chief Minister didn’t need to apologise for something he hadn’t done himself. He later reiterated that Daler didn’t want to prolong the controversy following Dhami’s intervention, though he maintained that respect for artists remained important.With Uniyal’s reported apology following the Chief Minister’s outreach, Mika’s team hopes the dispute can now be put to rest, allowing everyone involved to move forward on a note of mutual respect.- Ends