The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has come out in support of singer Daler Mehndi after Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Unyal criticized him on stage during a cultural event.
Amidst the Daler Mehndi controversy, FWICE has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
“On behalf of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), we wish to express our deep concern regarding the reported incident involving popular singer and artist Mr. Daler Mehndi, who was publicly chastised by Uttarakhand Minister Mr. Subodh Unyal during a live performance at a religious, Navratri-related community function,” the letter read.
“As reported, the Honorable Minister went on stage during Mr. Daler Mehndi’s performance, reprimanded him, and reportedly asked him to stop citing concerns about his physical condition, his ability to speak or stand, and whether he was singing live or lip-syncing. While we recognize the importance of ensuring the orderly conduct of public events, and allaying such concerns should do. public rebuke.”
It further stated that it is known that Mr. Daler Mehndi is not a “drinker of alcohol”. Further, it reiterated that it is common knowledge that he is dealing with health related issues and recovering from surgery.
“Under these circumstances, it is especially important to exercise restraint before drawing conclusions about an artist’s condition. Any concern about an artist’s welfare should be addressed with compassion and professionalism.”
Speaking about the artiste’s contribution to the country’s cultural fabric, the letter said, “Mr. Daler Mehndi is a well-known name in Indian music whose songs and performances have earned him widespread recognition across generations. An incident involving the public humiliation of such a senior artiste is deeply distressing to the entire entertainment community.”
“Therefore we respectfully request your attention to this incident and request you to advise the concerned authorities and public representatives to be more sensitive when dealing with artists and performers.”
The letter concluded that FWICE has always stood for the welfare, professional rights and fair treatment of workers and artists associated with the film and entertainment industry, and hoped that its concerns would be given due consideration.
What happened during the Uttarakhand demonstration of Daler Mehndi?
The controversy erupted when Darer Mehndi performed at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri on Sunday. During the event, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Unyal interrupted the singer and questioned his performance, saying that he was invited to entertain the audience.
The incident sparked online debate, with allegations that Darer was under the influence of alcohol and struggling to sing. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Mika Singh defended Daler during the controversy. Unyal later told ANI that the singer was lip-syncing and said he raised concerns as a leading artiste should do justice to his performance. The minister also claimed that Daler was paid Rs 35 lakh for the event.
Also read this | Sona Mohapatra on Darer Mehndi Controversy: “Respect is not a unilateral right”