India, Oct. 21 -- Actor Anupam Kher on Oct. 21, 2026 issued a public statement on Instagram backing Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal criticised Mehndi during a cultural event in Tehri Garhwal. Kher said the minister’s public reprimand was unfair, and urged members of the film industry to speak up for Mehndi.
Incident at Maa Kunjapuri Mela
The controversy arose during the Maa Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri Garhwal, where Daler Mehndi was performing at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair during Navratri celebrations.
According to the report, Subodh Uniyal walked onto the stage and criticised Mehndi’s performance, including the following allegations and questions:
* He accused the ...