Renowned Punjabi music artist Daler Mehndi has been making headlines following a recent controversy during the Kunjapuri Mela in New Tihari, Uttarakhand. The event sparked a prolonged debate after cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal publicly questioned the singer's stage presence and alleged intoxication during the performance. While that dispute eventually settled after clarifications and apologies, a past podcast interview of the singer has now gone viral, shedding light on his early life discipline and values.
The Strict Childhood Vow Given to His Mentor
During an interview, Daler Mehndi recalled his formative years under the guidance of his mentor, Ustad Rahat Ali Khan. When he began learning music from him, he was handed two absolute conditions at the tender age of 13. His mentor made him pledge that he would never consume alcohol in his entire life and would never cut his hair. Sticking firmly to these instructions, Daler maintained complete sobriety over the decades, often noting that he prefers tea instead.
The Uttarakhand Festival Controversy and Mika Singh's Defense
The cultural festival in Uttarakhand turned contentious when Subodh Uniyal claimed that Daler Mehndi was under the influence on stage and used lip-syncing instead of singing live, adding that 35 lakh rupees were paid for the appearance. Amidst strong reactions from various quarters, his brother Mika Singh fiercely defended his honor in media briefings. Mika publicly challenged anyone to prove alcohol consumption, stating he would quit singing himself if proven true. The matter was put to rest after conditions were met and an apology was issued.
Hardships Abroad and Meeting Amjad Ali Khan
Reflecting on his journey, Daler shared anecdotes from his days of struggle, including driving a taxi in San Francisco to earn a livelihood. During that period, an opportunity led him to meet celebrated musician Amjad Ali Khan. Upon listening to a few lines of ghazals sung by Daler, Amjad Ali Khan praised his vocal prowess and predicted that he would grow up to become a massive star.
Maintaining Vocal Quality and Recent Recreations
Preserving the natural texture of his voice for decades has been a conscious effort for the singer, who believes that keeping one's vocal cords intact for five years is a challenge in itself. By steering clear of intoxicants, he successfully kept his signature tone alive over the years. Demonstrating his enduring appeal, he recently re-recorded his 27-year-old iconic track 'Na Na Na Re' in a fresh style for the film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.
