Hirdesh "Honey" Singh (born 15 March 1983), known professionally as Yo Yo Honey Singh, is a music producer, singer and actor. He commenced his career as a hip-hop music producer in 2003, working as a session and recording artist within the underground music scene until the release of his debut studio album, International Villager.

Yo Yo Honey Singh
Birth name Hirdesh Singh
Born 15 March 1983, Karampura, Delhi, India
Nationality Indian
Occupation
  • Music producer
  • Rapper
  • Writer
  • Singer
  • Actor
Origin Punjab, India
Years active 2003–present
Labels T-Series Zee Music Company Speed Records
Brand Name Maulla Music
Spouse Shalini Talwar (2011-2022)
Genres Rap

Pop

EDM

Hip hop

Bhangra

R&B

Early life

Honey Singh was born on March 15th, 1983 in a typical Sikh family in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. He studied at the Guru Nanak Public School in New Delhi. Given his interest in music, The rapper traveled to the UK to study at Trinity College of Music, where he studied music. After completing his graduation, he moved to Delhi in pursuit of better career opportunities. He began his career as a recording artist and a Bhangra music producer. His first claim to fame came when he received the ETC award for Best Sound for his song, Glassi in 2006.

Career

Music

Honey Singh, known for his unique fusion of Punjabi and Hindi music, prefers to sing in his native languages rather than in English. He made his mark on the music scene with the release of his Punjabi album International Villager on November 11, 2011. The album's hit track "Gabru," featuring J-Star, quickly climbed to the top of the Asian music charts, including the official BBC Asian charts.

During the early 2010s, Singh became a sensation in the Indian music industry, performing at numerous college festivals such as Ansal Institute of Technology and Ramjas College in Delhi. His collaborations with prominent artists, like Diljit Dosanjh, further cemented his position. Their song "Lak 28 Kudi Da" reached number one on the BBC Asian Download Charts in May 2011, serving as a promotional track for Dosanjh's film Lion of Punjab.

By 2012, Singh had set a record for the highest fee ever paid to an artist for a Bollywood song, reportedly receiving ₹7 million (US$84,000) for tracks in the movies Cocktail and Mastan. His popularity surged on YouTube with two of his videos— "Brown Rang" and "High Heels" (a collaboration with Jaz Dhami)—ranking among the top trending videos that year. Following the success of "Brown Rang," Honey Singh released "Angreji Beat" in collaboration with Gippy Grewal. This track further solidified his presence in the music industry, becoming a party anthem across India. In 2013, Singh dropped another chartbuster, "Blue Eyes." The song, known for its sleek production and catchy hook, became an instant hit, showcasing his versatility in blending Hindi and English lyrics with an international sound. In 2014, Singh released "Desi Kalakaar," featuring Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha. The song and its accompanying music video were a huge success, with Singh adopting a more cinematic approach to his music. This track showcased his storytelling ability and marked his transition from just a rapper to a complete entertainer. The song’s success was followed by other popular tracks such as "Love Dose" and "Birthday Bash," which continued to top charts and dominate parties across the country.

Despite facing health issues that forced him to take a break from his career, Singh continued to contribute to the music industry. During this period, he wrote the superhit track "Dheere Dheere" in 2015, a recreation of the iconic song from the movie Aashiqui. The track featured Hrithik Roshan and Sonam Kapoor in the music video and went on to become a massive hit, breaking numerous records on YouTube. As it was the first indian song to cross 200 million views on youtube alone.

Bollywood

His debut song in Bollywood films was "Shakal Pe Mat Ja", featuring Gagan Sidhu. Singh charged Rs.7million for a song in the film Mastan. This was the largest amount paid to a song artist in Bollywood to date, making Singh one of the highest-paid musical artists in Bollywood.Honey Singh paid the highest fee for song. Hindustan Times (2 May 2012). Retrieved 4 May 2012.Yo-Yo Honey Singh becomes the costliest Bollywood singer. Daily Bhaskar (2 May 2012). Retrieved 4 May 2012.</ref>

In February 2015 he released the songs "Birthday Bash", followed by songs in films including Gabbar is Back and Bhaag Johnny.Template:Citation needed

Mumbai Saga's first song "Shor Machega", was released on 28 February 2021. It was composed by Yo Yo Honey Singh, with lyrics and vocals by Singh and Hommie Dilliwala.

Acting

Singh made his acting debut with Baljit Singh Deo's Punjabi film Mirza - The Untold Story (2012), performing the role of Deesha, a mad gangster. Despite only being a cameo appearance, the role went on to win Singh the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Male Debut. The following year, Singh appeared in another Punjabi film, this time a comedy by Amit Prasher, Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22, as Rolly, a childish and spoilt brat, alongside Amrinder Gill. This was Singh's first main role in a film.

In 2016, Singh starred in the Punjabi action film Zorawar, directed by Vinnil Markan, which was marketed as one of the most expensive Punjabi films to date. The film was critically acclaimed.

The Disappearance of Honey Singh

In 2014, Yo Yo Honey Singh's career was interrupted when he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This mental health condition, characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from emotional highs (mania) to lows (depression), significantly affected his life and career. Unlike the common belief that stress from fame led to his illness, Singh revealed that it was largely due to his extensive use of substances like alcohol, drugs, and weed. His dependency was so severe that he would consume these substances before sleeping and immediately after waking up, often being in a state of confusion and unaware of his actions.

This addiction took a heavy toll on his personal life as well. His relationship with his ex-wife, Shalini Talwar, deteriorated during this period. He admitted to neglecting his family and his wife due to his lifestyle and continuous travel commitments, which further fueled his dependence on substances .

Bipolar disorder can be worsened by substance abuse, which can amplify mood swings and make management of the disorder challenging. Alcohol and drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of prescribed medications and lead to unpredictable mood changes, impulsive behavior, and even thoughts of self-harm during depressive episodes.

His struggle with the illness and addiction remained largely hidden from the public for many years. During his treatment, he received support from several prominent figures in the industry, including Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, and Shah Rukh Khan, who stayed in touch with his family and suggested medical help.

This phase was a challenging period for Honey Singh, but he has since spoken openly about his experiences, aiming to raise awareness about mental health and the dangers of substance abuse.

Personal life

Singh comes from a Sikh family and has two siblings. He was influenced by various musical genres, including hip-hop, Punjabi folk, and Indian classical music, which shaped his unique style. His early career included producing music for Bollywood films and independent albums, which gained him significant popularity.

On January 23, 2011, Singh married Shalini Talwar, a longtime friend. However, their relationship faced challenges, and in 2021, Talwar accused Singh of multiple offenses under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, leading to legal proceedings. Subsequently, on September 10, 2022, the couple filed for divorce, with Singh reportedly agreeing to pay Rs. 1 crore as alimony.

Singh’s personal life has also been marked by health struggles, including mental health issues and substance abuse, which he later spoke about publicly. Despite these hardships, he remains a celebrated figure in the music industry, known for his contributions to contemporary Indian pop music.

Comeback

After overcoming significant health challenges, Honey Singh made a notable comeback in 2018 with the track "Makhna," which reestablished him as a prominent figure in the Indian music scene. The song was well-received, showcasing his ability to blend contemporary sounds with vibrant visuals. Following this, Singh released "Urvashi" later that same year, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani, further solidifying his return.

In 2019, he collaborated with Malkit Singh on "Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha - The YOYO Remake," demonstrating his versatility. The year 2020 marked a significant milestone with the release of "Loca," featuring Simar Kaur, and "Moscow Mashuka," featuring Neha Kakkar, both of which garnered substantial popularity. He also featured in "Billo Tu Agg Ae," a track by Singsta, and "Jingle Bell," expanding his musical repertoire.

Continuing his momentum, Singh released "First Kiss" in 2021, featuring Ipsitaa Khullar, followed by "Saiyaan Ji," a collaboration with Neha Kakkar, which became a hit. That same year, he was also part of "Kanta Laga," featuring Tony Kakkar and Neha Kakkar, and "Boom Boom," showcasing his ongoing presence in the music industry.

In 2023, Singh released "Kala Star," which broke multiple streaming records and was well-received by audiences. He continued to build on his success with tracks like "Ka Kha Ga," "Designer," and "Casanova," further demonstrating his ability to produce catchy hits that resonated with fans.

Later in 2023, Singh released several tracks as part of his album Honey 3.0, including "Naagan," "Pankhudi (The Ride Song)," and "Kuley Kuley. The album showcased his evolution as an artist and his adaptability to contemporary musical trends.

Most recently, in 2024, Singh launched his grand album "Glory," featuring 18 tracks, including "Millionaire," "Rap God," and "JATT MEHKMA." This album marked a significant milestone in his career and received widespread acclaim, with multiple songs trending on music streaming platforms. Singh's body of work post-comeback illustrates his resilience and ongoing influence in the Indian music industry.

Discography

Albums

Album Music Producer Lyricist Tracks Length Label Language Release Date
International Villager Yo Yo Honey Singh, Various 14 tracks 56 minutes and 0 seconds Speed Records Punjabi 11 November 2011
Desi Kalakaar Yo Yo Honey Singh, Lil Golu 8 tracks 29 minutes and 38 seconds T-Series Punjabi/Hindi 26 September 2014
Honey 3.0 Yo Yo Honey Singh, Bass Yogi, Hommie Dilliwala, Sanjoy Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rony Ajnali,

Gill Macchari

10 tracks 34 minutes 44 seconds Zee Music Company Punjabi/Hindi 15 March 2024
Glory Yo Yo Honey Singh Various 18 tracks 56 minutes 29 seconds T-Series Punjabi/Hindi/Urdu/French/Haryanvi/Arabic/English/Sindhi/Balochi 26 August 2024
International Villager 2 Yo Yo Honey Singh, Leo Grewal, Rony Ajnali, Gill Macchari TDA TDA Speed Records Punjabi TDA

Singles

Track Year Artist Music Music Label Notes
"Glassy" 2007 Ashok Mastie, Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh Zee Music Company
"Begani Naar" 2008 Honey Singh featuring Badshah Mafia Mundeer Records No Official Video
"Khol Botal" Badshah featuring Honey Singh
"Chandigarh" Raj Brar featuring Honey Singh Frankfinn Entertainment Company From album Rebirth
"Rangli" Raj Brar, Honey Singh
"Vanjaarey" 2009 Preet Harpal featuring Honey Singh MovieBox
"Mood Kharab" (Remix) Raja Baath featuring Honey Singh Annad Industries From album The Crown
"Husan Di Botal" Raja Baath featuring Honey Singh
"Lakk" Inderjeet Nikku featuring Honey Singh Times Music From album Khalaas
"Collage" Inderjeet Nikku featuring Honey Singh
"Shartan" Pappi Gill featuring Honey Singh T-Series
"Bhagat Singh (The Tribute)" Diljit Dosanjh featuring Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer No Official Video
"Ego (Me and Myself)" Diljit Dosanjh featuring Honey Singh
"Dance with Me" Diljit Dosanjh featuring Honey Singh
"Rubaru" Diljit Dosanjh featuring Honey Singh T-Series From album Next Level
"Los Angeles (LA)" Diljit Dosanjh featuring Honey Singh Speed Records
"Panga" Diljit Dosanjh, Honey Singh
"Hummer" 2010 Nishwan Bhullar featuring Honey Singh Single Track Studios The Folk Star
"Bhagat Singh (26 March, The Holiday)" Nishwan Bhullar featuring Honey Singh.
"Scooty" Nishwan Bhullar featuring Honey Singh
"Chaska" Raja Batth, Honey Singh Just Punjabi From album The Crown
"Banda Marna" Balli Rair, Honey Singh T-Series From album Never Done Before
"Zanjeer" Karan Jasbir featuring Honey Singh Jasraj Records From album The Game Changer
"Jatt Soorme" Garry Hothi featuring Honey Singh Speed Records From Album "Jatt Soorme"
"Khoon Vich Garmi" Garry Hothi, Honey Singh
"Lak 28 Kudi Da" Diljit Dosanjh, Honey Singh Promotional track from "Lion of Punjab"
"Haye Mera Dil" 2011 Alfaaz, Honey Singh From album Alfaaz – The Boy Next Door
"Yaar Baathere" Alfaaz, Honey Singh
"Jaan Mangdi" Jassi Sidhu, Honey Singh
"Get Up Jawaani" Badshah, Honey Singh From album International Villager
"Gabru" J-Star
"Goliyan" Diljit Dosanjh, Honey Singh
"Dope Shope" 2012 Deep Money, Honey Singh
"Angreji Beat" Gippy Grewal, Honey Singh
"Brown Rang" Honey Singh
"Chamak Challo" (remix) J-Star, Honey Singh
"Achko Machko" Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records Unofficial Video
"15 Saal" Diljit Dosanjh, Honey Singh Diljit Dosanjh
"High Heels" Jaz Dhami, Honey Singh Jaz Dhami
"Siftan" Money Aujla, Honey Singh Speed Records
"Break Up Party" Leo, Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
"Satan" Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar
"This Party Getting Hot" Jazzy B, Honey Singh Jazzy B
"Mere Mehboob" 2013 Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Bring Me Back" Honey Singh
"Bebo" Alfaaz, Honey Singh
"Blue Eyes" Honey Singh T-Series
"Desi Kalakaar" 2014 Honey Singh From album Desi Kalakar,

featuring Sonakshi Sinha

"Love Dose" Honey Singh From album Desi Kalakar,

featuring Urvashi Rautela

"Issey Kehte Hain Hip Hop" Honey Singh Lil Golu
"Mehrma" Sam Sandu, Honey Singh Sony Music India
"One Bottle Down" 2015 Honey Singh T-Series
"Dheere Dheere" Honey Singh featuring Hritilk Roshan, Sonam Kapoor
"Urvashi" 2018 Honey Singh Featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani
"Makhna" Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar, Singhsta, Pinaki, Sean, Allistair
"Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha - The YOYO Remake" 2019 Honey Singh featuring Malkit Singh
"Loca" 2020 Honey Singh featuring Simar Kaur
"Moscow Mashuka" Honey Singh featuring Neha Kakkar and Ekaterina Sizova Lyrical Video
"Billo Tu Agg Ae" Singsta featuring Honey Singh Singsta
"First Kiss" Honey Singh featuring Ipsitaa Khullar Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Jingle Bell" Hommie Dilliwala featuring Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Saiyaan Ji" 2021 Honey Singh and Neha Kakkar T-Series Featuring Nushrratt Bharuccha
"Kanta Laga" Tony Kakkar featuring Honey Singh and Neha Kakkar Tony Kakkar Desi Music Factory
"Boom Boom" Honey Singh featuring Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Gaddi Neevi" Singhsta featuring Honey Singh Singhsta Speed Records
"Ka Kha Ga" 2022 Hommie Dilliwala featuring Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Designer" Honey Singh and Guru Randhawa Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series
"Casanova" Honey Singh featuring Lil Pump and DJ Shadow Dubai Dj Shadow Dubai Beast Music From webseries 7th Sense
"Melody Roja" Honey Singh Bass Yogi Zee Music Company
"Paris Ka Trip" Honey Singh and Millind Gaba Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series Featuring Tina Thadani and Mariana Loaiza
"Together Forever" Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Tension" Hommie Dilliwala featuring Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Lyrical Video
"JAAM (The Casino Song)" Honey Singh Nanku (Udbhav) Nahmoh Studios
"Yai Re" (The Remix) Honey Singh and Iulia Vantur Yo Yo Honey Singh Tips Official
"Gatividhi" Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh Namoh Studios Featuring Mouni Roy
"Note Fenko (The Karampura Song)" 2023 Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Pankhudi (The Ride Song)" Honey Singh Sanjoy Featuring Riya Kishanchandani
"Lashkare" Honey Singh Bass Yogi and Yo Yo Honey Singh Featuring Nicole Faria
"Kanna Vich Waaliyan" Hommie Dilliwala featuring Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Namoh Studios Featuring Aparna Nayr and Livia Viktoria
"Sports Gaddiyan" Leo Grewal featuring Honey Singh Leo Grewal, Young J Yo Yo Honey Singh Lyrical Video
"Who Knows" So Dee featuring Honey Singh Mahii Singh Featuring Teodora Atanasovski
"Tell Me Once" Alfaaz featuring Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Naagan" Yo Yo Honey Singh Bass Yogi Zee Music Company From album Honey 3.0
"Tujh Pe Pyaar"
Lets Get It Party Yo Yo Honey Singh
Savage Sanjoy
Soul Bass Yogi
"Ashk" Tahmina Arsalan, Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh Featuring Tahmina Arsalan
"Kuley Kuley" Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Apache Indian Jaymeet Zee Music Company From album Honey 3.0
"Kalaastar" Yo Yo Honey Singh Bass Yogi

Appearances on film soundtracks

Year Movie Song Singer(s) Music director(s)
2011 Desi Boyz "Subhah Hone Na De" Mika Singh, Shefali Alvares, Yo Yo Honey Singh Pritam
2012 Cocktail "Main Sharabi" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Javed Bashir
"Angrezi Beat" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Gippy Grewal Yo Yo Honey Singh
Son of Sardaar "Rani Tu Mein Raja" Mika Singh, Bhavya Pandit, Yo Yo Honey Singh Himesh Reshammiya
Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana "Kikli Kalerdi" Amit Trivedi, Pinky Maidasani and Yo Yo Honey Singh Amit Trivedi
Khiladi 786 "Lonely Lonely" Himesh Reshammiya, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Hamsika Iyer Himesh Reshammiya
2013 Race 2 "Party on My Mind" KK, Shefali Alvares, Yo Yo Honey Singh Pritam
Mere Dad Ki Maruti "Punjabiyan Di Battery" Mika Singh, Yo Yo Honey Singh Sachin Gupta
Bajatey Raho "Kudi Tu Butter" Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh & Jaidev Kumar
Chennai Express "Lungi Dance"– The 'Thalaiva(r)' Tribute Yo Yo Honey Singh
Boss "Boss" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Meet Bros Anjjan Meet Bros Anjjan
"Party All Night" Yo Yo Honey Singh
2014 Yaariyan "ABCD" Benny Dayal, Shefali Alvares & Yo Yo Honey Singh Pritam
"Sunny Sunny" Neha Kakkar, Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Dedh Ishqiya "Horn OK Please" Honey Singh, Sukhwinder Singh Vishal Bhardwaj
Jai Ho "Rang Razia" Mika Singh, Salman Khan, Palak Muchhal, Yo Yo Honey Singh Sajid-Wajid
Ragini MMS 2 "Chaar Botal Vodka" Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Bhoothnath Returns "Party with the Bhoothnath"
Fugly "Ye Fugly Fugly Kya Hai"
Banjaare
Kick "Yaar Naa Miley" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jasmine Sandlas
Singham Returns "Aata Majhi Satakli" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Mamta Sharma, Nitu Choudhry
The Shaukeens "Alcoholic" Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Manali Trance" Neha Kakkar, Yo Yo Honey Singh
2015 Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend "Birthday Bash" Alfaaz and Yo Yo Honey Singh
Gabbar is Back "Aao Raja" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar
Bhaag Johnny "Aankhon Aankhon" Yo Yo Honey Singh
2016 Ki & Ka "High Heels" (Remake) Jaz Dhami, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Aditi Singh Sharma Meet Bros, Yo Yo Honey Singh
2018 Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety "Dil Chori" Honey Singh, Simar Kaur, Singhsta Yo Yo Honey Singh
"Chhote Chhote Peg" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar, Navraj Hans
Mitron "This Party Is Over Now" Yo Yo Honey Singh
Loveyatri "Rang Taari" Dev Negi, Yo Yo Honey Singh Tanishk Bagchi
Baazaar "Billionaire" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Simar Kaur, Singhsta Yo Yo Honey Singh
2019 Jabariya Jodi "Khadke Glassy" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Ashok Masti, Jyotica Tangri Tanishk Bagchi, Ashok Masti, Ramji Gulati
Glassy 2.0
Jhootha Kahin Ka "Funk Love" Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Marjaavaan "Peeyu Datke" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Shurti Pathak
Pagalpanti "Thumka" || Yo Yo Honey Singh
2020 Chhalaang "Care Ni Karda" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Sweetaj Brar
2021 Mumbai Saga "Shor Machega" Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Hommie Dilliwala
2022 Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 "De Taali" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Armaan Malik, Shashwat Singh Pritam
2023 Selfiee "Kudi Chamkeeli" Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan "Let's Dance Chotu Motu" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Devi Sri Prasad, Salman Khan, Neha Bhasin Devi Sri Prasad
Yaariyan 2 "Blue Hai Paani Paani" Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar Yo Yo Honey Singh, Khaalif
"Sunny Sunny 2.0" Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar
"Kho Sa Gaya Hoon" Manan Bhardwaj, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar Manan Bhardwaj, Yo Yo Honey Singh
2024 Khel Khel Mein "Hauli Hauli" Guru Randhawa, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar Guru Randhawa

Production discography

Year Album Artist Music director
2005 Peshi Bill Singh Honey Singh
2006 The Beat Ashok Masti
Surma Bopaz
2008 Rebirth Raj Brar
2009 The Next Level Diljit Dosanjh
Lock Up Preet Harpal
The Beginning Resham Singh Anmol
2010 The Crown Raja Baath
Dream Dolly Singh
Khaalas – The Pure Inderjit Nikku
The Folkstar Nishawn Bhullar
The Rising Queen Rimz J
Zanjeer -The Game Changer Karran Jesbir
2011 Hard Work Bai Amarjit
Never Done Before Balli Riar
Singing Between the Lines (song: "Jaan Mangdi") Jassi Sidhu
Alfaaz – The Boy Next Door Alfaaz
Jatt Soorme Garry Hothi
Talwar (song: "Kawan diyan daaran") Gippy Grewal
International Villager Honey Singh
2012 Born This Way Varinder Brar
2014 Desi Kalakaar<ref name="Indialive.today"/> Honey Singh
2023 Honey 3.0 Honey Singh Honey Singh, Bass Yogi, Hommie Dilliwala

Filmography

Movies

Feature films as an actor
Year Film Role Language Notes
2012 Mirza - The Untold Story Deesha Punjabi
2013 Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 Rolly Punjabi
2014 The Xpose Kenny Damania Hindi
2016 Zorawar Agent Zorawar Singh Punjabi

Television

Year Show Channel Role
2014 India's Raw Star Star Plus Judge

Awards

Controversies

In the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, the lyrics to some of his songs, which depict violence against women and rape positively, have caused controversy. A first information report (FIR) was lodged against Singh for his offensive lyrics, and a group of social activists filed an online petition demanding cancellation of his New Year performance at a Gurgaon hotel. After the campaign, Singh's New Year concert was cancelled by the hotel. Singh denies writing these offensive lyrics.

Singh's song "Party All Night" in Akshay Kumar's film Boss was at the centre of a controversy. Producers of the movie had to submit a petition in Delhi High Court claiming that they had 'muted' an alleged vulgar word in Singh's song. The court heard a petition filed by lawyer Sanjay Bhatnagar seeking a stay on the film, contending that without the censor board's approval, the song could not be released with such a vulgar word. The petitioner had sought a stay on the release of the film until either the word or the song was deleted from the film.

His work has been criticised as being vulgar, misogynist, promoting violence against women and a bad influence on youth. There have been reactions in print to Singh, such as from Annie Zaidi, who wrote "An Open Letter to Honey Singh" in January 2013, and Sandipan Sharma, who wrote "Thanks for the crassness: An open letter to Honey Singh from a parent" in July 2014.

In 2014, Singh and fellow rapper Raftaar were in dispute over whether Raftaar should receive credit for the lyrics of the song "Yeh Fugly Fugly Kya Hai".

In 2015, a student of St. Stephen's College went viral for a rap that parodied Singh's problematic songs from a feminist perspective.

See also

  • Desi Kalakaar
  • An Open Letter to Honey Singh

References

External links