Daler Mehndi, popular Punjabi singer, has been sentenced to two years in prison in a 2003 human trafficking case. He is 54 years old.

“He has been taken into custody (by police). His application for release on probation also dismissed by court,” Advocate Gurmeet Singh, complainant’s lawyer told news agency ANI. 

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

A Patiala distrcit court upheld the conviction and Additional Sessions judge HS Grewal ordered the immediate arrest of the singer. A total of 31 cases have been filed against Daler Mehndi and his brother Shamsher Singh.

Also read: Human trafficking laws in India: Explained

Who is Daler Mehndi?

Mehndi, whose real name is Daler Singh, is an Indian singer, songwriter, author, and record producer. He the voice behind several hits like ‘Tunak Tunak’, ‘Bol Ta Ra Ra’ and ‘Ho Jaegi Balle Balle’. 

Born and raised in Patna, Mehndi started singing at the age of six. He learned the tabla, dholak/dhool, harmonium and tanpura from Late Ustad Raahat Ali Khan Saheb of Gorakhpur. 

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He then moved to San Francisco and worked as a cab driver before returning to India in 1991 and forming a band. In a car accident in 1992, Mehndi injured a jaywalking man and was sued. 

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

The singer, who focused on classical music, switched to pop in 1995. ‘Bolo Ta Ra Ra’ was his first album. He received several honours like the Award for Voice of Asia International Ethnic, Channel V’s Best Male Pop Singer Award. 

Also read: Daler Mehndi top songs: From ‘Tunak Tunak’ to ‘Bol Ta Ra Ra’

Mehndi is the elder brother of Mika and Shamsher Singh. Both of them are singers. He is married to Taranpreet Kaur and has four children – Gurdeep Mehndi, Ajit Kaur Mehndi, Prabhjot Kaur Mehndi, and Rabaab Kaur Mehndi.