Mumbai (Showbiz Desk): An organisation representing film industry workers has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the public humiliation of renowned Indian singer Daler Mehndi during an event.
According to Indian media reports, the organisation expressed concern over the singer being stopped on stage during his performance and questioned about his singing style. The letter called for members of the artist community to be treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity.
According to reports, the incident took place during an event in New Tehri, Uttarakhand, where state minister Subodh Uniyal walked onto the stage and interrupted Daler Mehndi during his performance.
A video that went viral on social media shows the minister questioning the singer’s condition and style of singing. Subodh Uniyal claimed that Daler Mehndi was intoxicated and unable to perform properly. He also questioned whether the singer was performing live or lip-syncing to a recorded track.
What Did the Artists’ Organisation Say in Its Letter?
In its letter, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), an organisation representing film industry workers, said that if there were concerns about an artist’s health or performance, the matter should be addressed respectfully and professionally rather than through a public reprimand.
The organisation also pointed out in the letter that Daler Mehndi had experienced health problems and was recovering following surgery. It further urged caution regarding allegations of alcohol consumption and stressed that no definitive conclusions should be drawn before all the facts were established.
According to FWICE, Daler Mehndi is one of the prominent figures in Indian music, and his contributions should be taken into account when ensuring that he is treated with dignity and respect.
State Minister’s Position
Meanwhile, state minister Subodh Uniyal defended his actions, saying that the singer had been paid to perform at the event and was expected to fulfil his responsibility.
The minister claimed that Daler Mehndi had been paid 3.5 million Indian rupees to perform at the event.