Actor Rajpal Yadav has come out in support of singer Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Unyal criticized him on stage during a cultural function. The governor said that the minister’s language towards the veteran singer was inappropriate and an artiste should be treated with respect.

Rajpal has shared a video on Instagram in which he has defended Daler Mehndi and talked about his health. He said that he has worked with the singer Welcome to the jungle And that Darer was dealing with health problems. He also clarified that the singer does not drink alcohol.

He said, “As a student of arts, I want to share something with you. The way an honorable minister has said hurtful things and used foul language against a legendary singer whose voice has been touching people for decades is not befitting of a person holding such a position.”

Rajpal said, “It seems you have bought art itself, which cannot be bought alone. Art is life, and you should respect life. And for your information, I will tell you that Darer Paji does not drink alcohol. I worked with him in ‘Welcome to the Jungle’.”

The governor added, “Daler is suffering from ill health, and people are trying to help him recover. The throne may come and go, but art always holds a high place, so you should respect it. God bless you.”

Controversy erupted on Sunday night during a cultural program at the Siddhapeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand’s New Tehri.

During Daler Mehndi’s performance, Minister Subodh Unyal stopped the singer and questioned his behavior on stage. The minister reportedly said, “You can’t even speak, so how are you going to sing?” He points out that Daler is intoxicated.

“He is a big artist. If a big artist doesn’t do justice to his art… he looked frustrated on stage and didn’t even seem able to stand,” he said.

Later speaking to news agency ANI, Unyal said Daler Mehndi was paid Rs 35 lakh for the performance. He claimed the singer looked disoriented, struggling to stand and lip-syncing instead of singing live.

He added, “I told him that he is a big artist and he should do justice to his art. He was offered Rs 35 lakh to come and perform, but he wouldn’t even sing. So I expressed my displeasure.”

After the incident, several members of the film and music industry supported Daler Mehndi and criticized the way the minister spoke to him in public.

Anupam Kher and Kapil Sharma, along with singers Badshah and Mika Singh were among those endorsing the bold mehndi.