{
  "id": 16003037,
  "title": "Daler Mehndi Controversy: FWICE Defends Singer Over Alcohol Allegation, Urges PM Modi & CM Pushkar Singh Dhami To Ensure Dignity For Artists",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/daler-mehndi-controversy-fwice-defends-singer-over-alcohol-allegation",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T05:14:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/daler-mehndi-controversy-fwice-defends-singer-over-alcohol-allegation-urges-pm-modi-cm-pushkar-singh-dhami-to-ensure-dignity-for-artists"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mumbai: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has come to Daler Mehndi's defense after he was accused of being under the influence of alcohol at a public event in Uttarakhand. FWICE maintains that they are aware of Mehndi's struggles with health issues and are currently recovering from surgery. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, FWICE emphasized the importance of handling such situations with sensitivity and discretion, rather than through public reprimand. The letter also highlighted Mehndi's significant contribution to Indian music and the distressing nature of public humiliation for a senior artist. FWICE stressed that artists must be treated fairly and professionally, regardless of their stature or circumstances.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the comment made on singer Daler Mehendi in Uttarakhand, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has extended its support, saying that they are well aware that Daler Mehndi is not a \"consumer of alcohol\". FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) writes to PM Modi and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami over alleged public…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Anupam Kher slams Uttarakhand minister for humiliating Daler Mehndi; Mika Singh, Kapil Sharma back singer",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/anupam-kher-slams-uttarakhand-minister-for-humiliating-daler-mehndi",
        "published": "2026-10-21T08:39:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}