It’s rare for a film actor to jump into a political-cultural scrap, but Manoj Bajpayee didn’t mince words. Speaking to NDTV while promoting his Netflix film Gajab Raat, Bajpayee dismantled the narrative that Daler Mehndi was intoxicated during his set at the Kunjapuri Fair in Tehri. "He doesn't drink," Bajpayee stated flatly, noting that the audience—and the minister himself—seemingly missed the cue that Mehndi was just unwell that evening.
The incident, which unfolded on October 18, saw Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal storm the stage to stop the performance, accusing the singer of being drunk at a religious event. But as Bajpayee pointed out, the minister should have asked questions before making accusations. "That thing could have been discussed in private," the actor said, criticizing the public nature of the reprimand. It’s a valid point. Public shaming rarely ends well for anyone involved.
Divya Dutta, Bajpayee’s co-star, added her two cents, describing the experience as "bitter." She recalled seeing Mehndi holding his hands in a namaste, a gesture of respect that seemed to go unnoticed by the accuser. "It could have been handled in a better way," she said. The duo’s comments have amplified the chatter online, with many agreeing that the minister’s approach lacked basic sensitivity.
What stands out, according to Bajpayee, is Mehndi’s reaction. Instead of flipping out, the singer maintained his composure. "He came out triumphant," Bajpayee observed, praising Mehndi’s grace under fire. In an industry full of ego trips, watching someone hold their dignity while being publicly questioned is a rare sight. For now, the spotlight remains on how the state handles the fallout from this misunderstood moment.