Munish Sood
MANDI: As torrential rains and devastating floods have brought Himachal Pradesh to its knees, the public’s patience is running out — not just with the government but also with the stars they once applauded. The silence of many high-earning Himachali and Punjabi artistes, who have for years benefited from local love and lucrative performances, is now being seen as indifference in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
The contrast couldn’t be more striking. Kuldeep Sharma and Mamata Bhardwaj, both famous local artistes, have personally stepped forward to donate ration and other essential supplies to flood-affected families in the Seraj region in Mandi district. Their timely and heartfelt gesture has reignited a vital debate: Should artistes who have earned lakhs from the people now not stand with them in their darkest hour?
Himachali celebrities under fire for ‘inaction’
While the public has often been critical of Punjabi artistes performing in Himachal, this time the first wave of frustration is aimed at Himachal’s own top-tier artistes, many of whom charge exorbitant fees for appearances at cultural and government-sponsored events.
Duni Chand, a local resident of Thunag, put it bluntly: “Every year, our own artistes are paid lakhs from public funds to perform in local events. That same public is now in ruins. Where are these stars today? Don’t they owe something back to the people who made them?”
Emerging local artiste Deepak added: “There has always been dissatisfaction about how local talent is sidelined in favour of high-paid performers. But now, the least these celebrated artistes can do is donate generously. If you can earn from the land, you must stand with it in disaster.”
Artiste Shakti Singh was more direct: “Some of these artistes have built careers from Himachal’s stage and its people’s pockets. They must now open their hearts and wallets. Kuldeep Sharma and Mamta Bhardwaj have shown what integrity looks like. Others must follow.”
Local businessman Jagjit Kumar said, “The government spends lakhs to bring in Punjabi artistes because of public demand. But now that the public is in pain, these same artistes are nowhere to be seen. Where is their conscience?”
Artiste Seema Sharma echoed this frustration: “These artistes have received unconditional love and applause in Himachal. In return, we expect more than silence. At a time when people are hungry, homeless, and hopeless, it’s not just art that matters, it’s action.”
The inclusion of Punjabi performers in Himachali events has long been a contentious issue. Many local artistes argue that they are often denied stage time due to the growing dominance of outside acts. Despite this, governments and organizers continue to bring them in, citing public interest. Now, the same public is demanding accountability.
The ongoing disaster has revealed more than just infrastructural weaknesses as it has exposed a moral one. As affected families struggle for survival, they are looking not to the stage, but to those who once stood upon it, cheered and were paid handsomely to perform.
