Badshah and Harshdeep Kaur have come out in support of singer Daler Mehndi after his performance at a cultural event in Uttarakhand sparked controversy.

Badshah shared a note on his Instagram story, calling Daler Mehndi a legend and expressing his disappointment at facing public criticism.

“Daler Mehndi is a legend. Period. You can express disappointment, but to publicly disparage an artist who has given so much to our music industry is deeply disappointing. Great people deserve respect, especially when they are vulnerable. Always respect,” he wrote.

Singer Harshdeep Kaur shared Mika Singh’s post on her Instagram story and defended the daring mehndi.

“Daler Mehndi is a legend. It sure looks like he was very ill that day otherwise, when on stage… he not only sings… he roars,” he wrote.

Shaan also defended the singer. “Daler Paji is a real rockstar!!!! He has shown the world how to rock n roar!!!” He commented.

Singer Plush Sen has also come out in support of bold mehndi.

Taking to Instagram, he shared a note, which read, “Dear Darer, to the world, you are a legend, a pioneer and the king of bhangra, who has brought joy and unforgettable music to millions of people around the world. But to me, you are just my brother – a person with a heart so big and kind that everyone will never know.”

“It hurts to see the constant trolling and negativity directed at you, but it also reminds me how easy it is for people behind the scenes to forget the human behind the icon. They see the memes and the headlines.. I see a man who has given his entire life, sweat and soul to spread happiness, uplift culture and serve through his art,”

The note continued, “Everyone has a bad day or bad health. Even great people can get sick, but can’t let their fans down by not showing up. You showed up and tried to be your best. People may mock, criticize or judge, but no amount of noise can ever erase your legacy, your kindness, or steadfastness in holding yourself accountable. Love, faith and patience—and now Also, your spirit remains unbreakable.”

“For everyone to be quick to judge or laugh – behind every famous face is a real person. A vulnerable, vulnerable human being. Please always treat him with love and respect. He is a gem of our country. My dear brother, stay strong. Circumstances are temporary, but love, respect and your legacy are forever. I stand by you and love you today, tomorrow, never touch alcohol. Never will.”

Kapil Sharma endorses bold mehndi

Taking to his Instagram Stories, Kapil Sharma revealed that Daler Mehndi underwent a serious surgery, which he said many people were unaware of.

Kapil wrote, “@thedalermehndiofficial Paaji had some serious surgery that people don’t know about. We just need to be a little kinder to others. We don’t know what anyone is going through. (sic)”

The actor also thanked Mika Singh for coming forward to defend him and clarify the allegations.

“Thanks @m ikasingh paaji for the clarification. God bless Darer Paaji (hello and folded hands emoji) We love you Darer Paaji (red heart and folded hands emojis) (sic),” the actor added.

Mika Singh defended brother Daler Mehndi

On Tuesday, Mika Singh shared a video message on Instagram, slamming media reports that claimed the singer was caught on stage for drinking.

The video was accompanied by a message that read, “If you ever see Daler Mehndi drinking alcohol, I will quit singing.”

“I saw the news. You guys spread that ‘Daler was drunk while singing mehndi, he is unable to sing’ First of all, I want to ask you all- he has been a superstar for the past 30 years. Have you ever seen a glass of liquor in his hand, or alcohol flowing freely at his birthday parties?” Mika said.

Even if we have a 104 degree fever, it doesn’t matter. If I’m sick, and I have a show after tomorrow, and I’m already committed, whether the budget is big or small, I’ll do it. He (Daler) would have done it too.” (No, you didn’t. If you haven’t seen it yourself, how can you say he was unable to stand? As performers, we often agree to perform at someone’s request and say, ‘Yes, we’ll do the show.’ It doesn’t matter if we have a 104-degree fever and I’m committed to doing the show the day after tomorrow, but I’ll do it in advance. Honor that commitment.” Whether the budget is big or small, he (Daler Mehndi) would have done the same.”) he added.

For the caption, Mika Singh wrote, “Happy Dussehra, everyone! Special request to our media friends: Please check the facts before publishing any news! If someone makes an allegation without proof, please don’t blindly believe him or spread the news without checking the truth. The way Daler Mehndi was treated on stage was disappointing. But a respected minister did such a thing before he even drank alcohol on stage. Moved and issued a statement about all the Ministers claims, should we not verify the facts and give the artist a chance to present his case?

“Would anyone dare to treat an international band like Coldplay like this? I know my brother Daler Mehndi, and he doesn’t drink alcohol. He has been sick for the past two years and is still recovering, yet he continues to perform with his band. Many artists these days use backing tracks, but no one questions them in the same way.”

The singer added, “Daler Mehndi is one of India’s biggest superstars, and perhaps that’s why he becomes an easy target. I request my media friends to be responsible and fair. A headline can damage one’s reputation, so please check the facts before publishing anything. Respect our artists. Verify before reporting. Stand by the truth.”

On October 18, Daler Mehndi was performing at the Kunjapuri Mela in Tehri district of Uttarakhand, a major cultural event held as part of Navratri celebrations.

During the performance, Uttarakhand cabinet minister and local MLA Subodh Unyal walked on stage, stopped the singer and scolded him in front of the audience. Unyal asked Daler Mehndi to stop his performance, alleging that the singer went on stage drunk at an event held in honor of Maa Durga.

Also Read: ‘I don’t drink alcohol’: Daler Mehndi’s old comment resurfaces after Uttarakhand controversy