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Reports about threat to life 'affect' Daler Mehndi's 'music business'

Punjabi-Hindi bhangra pop singer Daler Mehndi today said his music business has been affected due to 'baseless' media reports about threats to his life from Dubai-based underworld dons.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, called especially to deny any threat to him from underworld dons, the singer said, ''I have not received any threat from Abu Salem or Dawood Ibrahim. But my business has definitely been affected due to the malicious and incorrect reports appearing in the press.''

Asked why he had to call the press conference when he had already denied the threat reports through a news agency, the pop star said it was important as a deliberate attempt was being made to sabotage his career.

Citing an example of how his business has been affected, he said one of his shows was recently cancelled in Orissa after a newspaper reported that the concert may cause security risk for the audience.

He also termed as ridiculous the reports that underworld gangs, with whom he had allegedly worked earlier, had helped him become popular.

''Connecting my popularity with underwold don is demeaning the essence of my music and the love of thousands of my fans,'' he said, adding that such rumours were being spread as his music has been successful in breaking the language and regional barriers across the country.

''My career which I have made in last four years, was being tried to be messed up in 15 days,'' he said.

Facing a volley of questions on whether he had information on the Intelligence Bureau letter to the Delhi Police, asking it to provide him security following alleged threats from Abu Salem and Dawood Ibrahim, the pop star said he had no information about any such letter.

''When I say that I have not received any threats, where is the question of my writing to the police or the IB?'' he clarified.

When repeatedly asked by a reporter whether it meant that either the IB or the Delhi Police, which had confirmed his receiving the threats on his cell phone, were lying, the singer said, ''It may also be possibile that you are lying.''

What if the IB letter on the threats was published, he said, ''First prove your claim then we will see.''

Whether he was contemplating any legal action against the newspapers which reported the threat stories, he said ''I don't have time due to very tight schedule.''

He said he did request the Delhi Police to provide security to him during his visits to the capital, but that was due to problems he was facing because of the presence of his fans. When the Delhi Police did not accept his request, he approached the Punjab Police which obliged, he added.

The application for security was still pending with the Delhi Police, he said.

UNI

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