Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi has written an emotional Diwali 2026 note, thanking everyone who stood by him during a difficult phase. His message comes amid the controversy over his performance at a fair in Uttarakhand. In a post on Instagram, he thanked his fans, family, friends and members of the entertainment industry for their love and support.
Daler Mehndi on the support he received
Daler Mehndi said the recent outpouring of affection had touched him deeply. He admitted that he may not have been able to reply to every message but said he had read all of them and would always remember the kindness.He wrote, “Happy Diwali to you and your loved ones. This Diwali, I especially want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you. Over the years, I have received so much love through my music, and on every stage I have stood. But what I have experienced recently has touched me in a way that is difficult to put into words. The way you stood by me, the way you spoke for me, the faith you showed in me and the love you gave me… I don’t think I can ever fully express what it has meant to me.”
Thanks to Mika Singh, wife Taran and children
The singer also spoke about his family’s support. He singled out his brother, Mika Singh, who came out publicly in his defence during the controversy. Daler Mehndi wrote, “My family has been my greatest strength through this time. My brother Mika stood up for me like a force to reckon with.”He also thanked his wife, Taran, for her courage and unwavering belief. He praised his son Gurdeep for his resilience and thanked his daughters Rabab, Ajit and Prabhjot for their unconditional love.
Message for fans and the music industry
Daler Mehndi did not forget his fans or the wider entertainment community. He thanked everyone who reached out from across the country. He wrote, “To the entire music and entertainment industry, to everyone who reached out from every corner of India, to my fans and to the entire nation – thank you for this Saropao of love, faith and respect.”He also spoke about togetherness and referred to the Sikh spiritual belief of ‘Ik Onkar’, saying it reminds him that everyone is one and connected through love and respect.
Daler Mehndi says, ‘I feel fortunate’
Towards the end of his note, Daler Mehndi reflected on how artists often hear about their impact only after they are gone. He said he feels lucky to have experienced that love in his lifetime. He wrote, “People often speak about an artist’s journey and the impact they have made when they are no longer there to hear it. I feel fortunate that I have been able to witness this love in my lifetime. To see it, to feel it and, most importantly, to be able to say thank you to the people who have given me so much.”He ended with a Diwali thought: “This Diwali, the diyas will shine in every home, but mere dil mein jo roshni aap sabke pyaar ne jagayi hai, woh mere liye sabse khaas hai. With all my love, Daler Mehndi.”
What was the controversy about?
Daler Mehndi recently found himself at the centre of a row after his performance at the Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in Uttarakhand. During the event, Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal walked onto the stage and questioned the performance. He alleged that the singer appeared intoxicated and was not singing live, despite reportedly being paid Rs 35 lakh for the show.Mika Singh strongly denied the allegations. He said Daler Mehndi does not drink and had recently undergone surgery, and he demanded an apology from the minister. The incident soon sparked a debate, with several members of the entertainment industry sharing their views.