The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami after singer Daler Mehndi was publicly reprimanded by Uttarakhand minister Subodh Uniyal during a cultural event in New Tehri. The film body has urged public representatives to deal with artistes more sensitively, especially during live public programmes. In its letter, FWICE said it was deeply concerned by the reported incident involving the “renowned singer and performer”. The federation said concerns about the conduct of public events were valid, but should be handled with discretion. It said a public reprimand during a live performance could damage an artiste’s dignity and reputation. The body also said Daler was not a “consumer of alcohol” and had been dealing with health-related issues while recovering from surgery. It urged restraint before drawing conclusions about a performer’s condition. FWICE said any concern about an artiste’s health or ability to perform should be addressed with compassion and professionalism.