Mika Singh backs Daler Mehndi: ‘If my brother is proven an alcoholic, I’ll quit singing’

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Singer Mika Singh has defended his elder brother Daler Mehndi following allegations that the veteran singer appeared intoxicated during a performance at a cultural event in Uttarakhand. Responding to media reports, Mika challenged the claims and said he would quit singing if anyone could prove that his brother consumed alcohol. He urged journalists to verify facts before publishing reports that could harm an artist’s reputation.

In a video shared on Instagram, Mika questioned the allegations and pointed to Daler Mehndi’s decades-long career. He said his brother had continued performing despite being unwell to honour professional commitments. Mika also stated that Daler had been recovering from illness for the past two years. Criticising the way his brother was confronted on stage, he said artists should be given an opportunity to present their side before allegations are publicised. He also questioned why the use of backing tracks by performers was being singled out in this case.

The controversy arose on October 18 during Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Kunjapuri Fair in Uttarakhand’s Tehri district, an event held during Navratri. State Cabinet Minister and local MLA Subodh Uniyal reportedly interrupted the performance and questioned the singer over allegations that he had consumed alcohol before appearing on stage. Mika described the incident as disappointing and appealed to the media to report responsibly and impartially. The allegations concerning Daler Mehndi’s condition remain contested, with Mika rejecting the claims against his brother.