Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal has defended the ₹36 lakh fee accepted for Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Kunjapuri Fair, saying the singer should have informed the organisers or the public if he was unwell.
The minister made the remarks amid a row over Mehndi’s performance at the fair. In a video statement, Uniyal said the payment was agreed because Mehndi is a renowned artist.
“If he was unwell, he should have informed us or public,” Uniyal said. “We accepted his fee of Rs 36 lakh considering his stature as a renowned artist.”
Why the payment is under discussion
The dispute concerns both the performance and the fee accepted for the appearance. Uniyal’s comments present the government’s position on why the payment was approved and what communication was expected if the artist was unwell.
The available information does not establish further details about Mehndi’s health, the specific issue during the performance or any final decision concerning the payment. Those points remain part of the wider controversy.
CM’s reported response
The Times of India and the Free Press Journal reported on 22 October 2026 that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami would speak with Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh about the controversy. The reports identified both singers as friends of the chief minister.
No further outcome of those reported conversations is established in the available material. The immediate public focus remains on the Kunjapuri Fair appearance, the ₹36 lakh fee and the explanation offered by Uniyal.
Conclusion
Subodh Uniyal has defended the ₹36 lakh fee for Daler Mehndi’s Kunjapuri Fair appearance and said the singer should have informed organisers or the public if he was unwell. The controversy may receive further attention after the reported discussions involving Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the controversy about?
The controversy concerns Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Kunjapuri Fair and the ₹36 lakh fee accepted for his appearance.
Q. What did Subodh Uniyal say?
Uniyal said that if Mehndi was unwell, he should have informed the organisers or the public.
Q. Why was the ₹36 lakh fee accepted?
Uniyal said the fee was accepted because Mehndi has the stature of a renowned artist.
Q. Which event is involved?
The issue relates to Daler Mehndi’s performance at the Kunjapuri Fair.
Q. What was Pushkar Singh Dhami reported to be doing?
The Times of India and the Free Press Journal reported that Dhami would speak with Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh about the controversy.
Q. Has the controversy been resolved?
The available information does not establish a final resolution.
