Bollywood veteran and outspoken actor Anupam Kher is in the headlines these days due to a unique controversy, which has created a stir in the political and cultural corridors of Uttarakhand. The case is related to a big cultural and social event organized in Dehradun, where whatever happened on the stage has attracted the attention of artists and general public across the country. At the center of this entire episode is the famous Punjabi singer and pop star Daler Mehndi, about whom Uttarakhand Government Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal had made such comments from the stage, which not only surprised the people present there but now veteran actor Anupam Kher has openly come out in support of Daler Mehndi. Anupam Kher has directly launched a scathing attack on social media and media platforms, terming this behavior of the cabinet minister as inappropriate and condemnable.
This whole controversy started during a grand event organized in Dehradun, where many well-known artists and politicians of the country were invited as guests. During the program, when popular singer Daler Mehndi was winning the hearts of the audience with his performance and art, Uttarakhand's senior cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal made some such gestures and statements from the stage, which were considered directly insulting by Daler Mehndi and his fans. According to reports, the minister said some such things in the public forum regarding the singer's eating habits or personal life which were against the dignity of an eminent artiste. Although it is known to everyone that Daler Mehndi is known for his energetic singing as well as his religious and simple life, but such a public comment by a government minister raised serious questions on the self-esteem of the artist.
When this controversy started gaining momentum on social media, then veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher came forward and expressed his views openly on this matter and took Subodh Uniyal to task. Anupam Kher, while talking to the media and in his statements, bluntly said that a responsible politician holding a public office should take full care of the dignity of the stage and the respect of the guests present there. Anupam Kher clearly said that he knows Daler Mehndi personally very well and gives full guarantee that Daler Mehndi never touches alcohol or any kind of drug in his life. Anupam Kher expressed deep sorrow over how some people, without any concrete information, hurt the reputation of famous artists of the country just to make headlines or make light statements.
After this statement of Anupam Kher came to light, the murmur in the local politics of Uttarakhand has also increased and along with the opposition parties, the general public is also strongly criticizing this attitude of the cabinet minister. People say that in a Devbhoomi state like Uttarakhand, artists, saints and guests coming from India and abroad should be welcomed in the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava, and not insult them by making such controversial and petty comments. Even on social media, fans have come out in support of Daler Mehndi and they say that this kind of treatment of artists who have brought glory to the country all over the world with their melodious voice, should not be tolerated at any cost. Political analysts believe that if no sensible step is taken soon in this matter, then this dispute may gain more momentum in the coming days.
This entire incident has once again sparked a serious debate on how much control people active in public life and politics should exercise on their speech. Artists who spread India's cultural heritage all over the world bring glory to the country through their art and when such people have to face such uncomfortable situations on the stage itself, it becomes a matter of concern for the entire art world. Daler Mehndi has always worked to connect people and spread positivity through music in his life, hence such comments made against him will be considered condemnable. Anupam Kher's stand as a friend and colleague in this difficult time proves that the actors of the film industry stand with each other like a rock in times of crisis. Now it remains to be seen what reaction comes from Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal after this sharp criticism and increasing pressure.