'Have you ever seen him with a glass of alcohol?' Mika Singh backs Daler Mehndi

Singer Mika Singh has defended his elder brother, Daler Mehndi, after reports claimed that the veteran performer had consumed alcohol before taking the stage at an event in Uttarakhand. The controversy began after an Uttarakhand Cabinet minister reportedly reprimanded Daler Mehndi on stage over allegations of drinking before his performance.

Responding to the reports, Mika shared a video message on Instagram, challenging anyone to show evidence of his brother drinking alcohol. He also criticised media outlets for circulating claims without verifying them.

The video carried a strong message from Mika: "If you ever see Daler Mehndi drinking alcohol, I'll quit singing."

Mika questions allegations against Daler Mehndi

In the video, Mika questioned how reports could claim that Daler was drunk or unable to perform without proof. He pointed to his brother's long career and said he had never seen him drinking alcohol.

"I saw the news. You people have spread this 'Daler Mehndi was drunk while singing, he is unable to sing' First of all, I would like to ask you all- he has been a superstar for the last 30 years. Have you ever seen a glass of alcohol in his hand, or seen alcohol flowing freely at his birthday parties?."

Mika also suggested that artists sometimes honour performance commitments despite being unwell, and said his brother might have done the same.

"No, you have not. Jab aapne dekha hi nahi, toh aapne kaise keh diya unse khada nahi hua jaa raha. Hum artists kayin baar kisi ke kehne par haan kar dete hain 'yes we will do the show' Even if we have 104 degree fever, it doesn't matter. If I am sick, and I have a show day after tomorrow, and I have already committed, then even if the budget is big or small, I will do it. Inhone (Daler) bhi aisa hi kiya hoga."

Mika urges media to verify facts

In the caption accompanying the video, Mika called the alleged treatment of his brother on stage disappointing. He questioned whether the allegations should have been verified before being reported and urged media outlets to give artists an opportunity to respond.

"Would anyone dare to behave like that with an international band like Coldplay? I know my brother Daler Mehndi, and he does not drink alcohol. He has been unwell for the past two years and is still recovering, yet he continues to perform with his band. These days, many performers use backing tracks, but nobody questions them in the same way."

Mika said Daler's fame may make him an easy target and warned that headlines could damage an artist's reputation.

"Daler Mehndi is one of India's biggest superstars, and perhaps that is why he becomes an easy target. I request our media friends to be responsible and fair. A headline can damage someone's reputation, so please check the facts before publishing anything. Respect our artists. Verify before you report. Stand by the truth."