Mumbai: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in support of singer Daler Mehndi.
In the letter, the industry body put forward Mehndi's side. "Everyone knows that Daler Mehndi does not drink," FWICE said. "He has also been going through health problems for some time. He underwent surgery recently."
FWICE also objected to what it described as the mistreatment of Mehndi at an event, and expressed its displeasure over the way he was treated.
The letter comes amid a row that began after a video of Mehndi surfaced on social media. The exact nature of the controversy was not immediately clear.
It was not clear whether the singer or his representatives have publicly responded to the row. There was no word on any reaction from the Uttarakhand government either.
FWICE is a body of workers in the film and entertainment industry and has spoken up for artistes in the past. Daler Mehndi is a popular Punjabi singer known for hits such as Tunak Tunak Tun, and he has also sung for several films. In its letter, FWICE referred to his health and to the treatment he faced at an event. The body has stood up for artistes on several occasions in the past. FWICE did not spell out the specific demand behind the letter. There was no official word on where the singer is or how he is doing. Mehndi has performed at public events for years. The FWICE letter has brought the matter more attention, though the facts of the row are still unclear.