Daler Mehndi sentenced for human trafficking: All controversies of the Punjabi singer

Daler Mehndi, a Punjabi musician, was arrested after losing his appeal against a two-year prison sentence in a 2003 case of human trafficking – for taking people abroad by posing as troupe members.

Dawood diaries

Reports circulated in 1999 that Daler Mehndi was on the hit-list of Dubai-based fugitive Dawood Ibrahim. Despite his stated denial of any such threat, few were inclined to believe him.

Also read: Human trafficking laws in India: Explained

The artist apparently did not complain until his show in Orissa was cancelled at the last minute by the organisers after a publication claimed that the concert could endanger the audience’s safety. According to reports, the musician has promised never to play in Orissa again.

Religious debacle

Before Daler Mehndi’s record, ‘Nabi Buba Nabi,’ could be released in 2001, it became embroiled in controversy. Several Muslim activist groups reportedly held a dharna in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, demanding that the album be banned because it made fun of their religion. 

Also read: Daler Mehndi sentenced: All about the 2003 human trafficking case

In response, the artist disputed the allegation, claiming that the song was written in “praise of God.” The album sparked controversy among Muslims because the name ‘Nabi’ signified ‘Allah.’ According to the activists, the song, in particular, was depicted in an indecent manner, and there were some offensive scenes in the video.

With Yash Raj Films

This transpired in 2007, with the release of Shaad Ali’s film ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom,’ starring Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Lara Dutta, Bobby Deol, and Pretty Zinta. The original vocalist, Daler Mehndi, was critical of the film’s title track.

Also read: Who is Bakhish Singh, complainant in Daler Mehndi human trafficking case

His voice was reportedly replaced without notice by Shankar Mahadevan. He then filed a lawsuit against Yash Raj Films, requesting a formal apology as well as a hefty compensation of Rs 1 lakh. However, the film’s producer, Yash Raj, was quick to respond.

While acknowledging that Mehndi was the original singer, Yash Raj Films acknowledged that the terms and conditions did not work out and that they were forced to remove his voice. Despite the fact that Daler Mehndi and Yash Raj Studios later reconciled, the latter apparently continues to bar the singer from the studio’s premises.