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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1983|03|15}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1983|03|15}}
| birth_place = [[West Delhi|Karampura]], [[Delhi]], India
| birth_place = [[West Delhi|Karampura]], [[Delhi]], India
| alias = {{hlist|Honey Singh}}
| alma mater = {{hlist|[[Trinity College Of Music]]}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Shalini Talwar|2011|2023|reason=div.}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Shalini Talwar|2011|2023|reason=div.}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|

Revision as of 07:23, 17 June 2025

Yo Yo Honey Singh
Yo Yo in 2014
Yo Yo in 2014
Background information
Birth nameHirdesh Singh
Born (1983-03-15) 15 March 1983 (age 42)
Karampura, Delhi, India
Genres
Occupations
Years active2003–present
Labels
Spouse
Shalini Talwar
(m. 2011; div. 2023)

Hirdesh "Honey" Singh (born 15 March 1983), known professionally as Yo Yo Honey Singh, is an Indian singer, rapper and music producer who commenced his career as a hip-hop music producer in 2003 with his underground album titled Desi By Nature, subsequently working as a session and recording artist within the underground music scene until the release of his debut studio album, International Villager.[2] He is among the most popular rap artist in India.[3][4]

Hirdesh's nickname growing up was "Honey". However, the origin of "Yo Yo" is rather interesting and also has a meaning behind it. Honey Singh picked up the slang Yo Yo from his African-American friends who too were hip-hop heads, which when translated, means "aapka apna" in Hindi i.e. (your very own). So his name gives him a unique identity of "aapka apna Honey Singh" or "your very own Honey Singh". The idea behind the inclusion of the term by Singh was to establish an even deeper bond with his fans not only through his music and artistry, but also through the preface of his stage name indicating that at the end of the day, he also is one amongst the people and is the people's artist.[5][6]

Early life and education

Hirdesh Singh was born on 15 March 1983 in Karampura, West Delhi to Sardar Sarabjit Singh and Bhupinder Kaur in a Sikh family. Karampura was originally a refugee settlement area after the 1947 India-Pakistan partition. Singh's family were Lahori Sikh refugees from Lahore, Pakistan.[7]

Yo Yo (third from the left)
during his school years, 1999

Singh used to play Tabla during his school days and initially wore a Turban as he is a Sikh, but his hair started forming dreadlocks naturally. Even after washing his hair thrice a week, his hair had no change, so his mother had to cut his hair when he was age 12 or 13. Singh narrates how the next day in school during the assembly, he wrapped a cloth on his head and the principal, after noticing him, pointed at him to get out. His father didn't talk to him for 2/2.5 years because of him cutting his hair and Singh left playing Tabla because of this incident and subsequently became an atheist.[8]

Singh states that he was only keen on gathering knowledge about religion but not practicing it. Throughout his life, he has been introduced to a variety of religions including Sikhism while growing up in a Sikh household, Hinduism from his spiritual guru, Abhinav Acharya Ji and Islam & Sufism during his youth days when he shifted to Mohali, Punjab in 2007.[9]

Singh later became a devotee of Hindu deity Lord Shiva during his recovery from Bipolar disorder.[10]

Singh did B.Sc. in I.T. in 2001 to get a computer from his family on which he could make beats and produce music while studying for his college.[11] He lived in a flat in Rohini Sector 3 given by his Acharya Ji after his father kicked him out. Singh credits his father for the exposure he received to music despite his father being against the idea of Singh entering the music industry. His father is fond of Mohammed Rafi's music which Singh claims used to be played on loop during his childhood. His father also had an expensive music system at home due to his love for music despite not having a very high paying job. Singh's mother was also a singer and still sings. Singh in particular, liked Kishore Kumar as he believed Kumar's songs to be more notorious.[12]

Given his interest in music, Singh traveled to the United Kingdom to study at the Trinity College Of Music.[13] After graduating, he came back to Delhi. He began his career as a recording artist and a Hip Hop, Bhangra music producer. His first claim to fame came when he received the ETC award for Best Sound for his song, Glassy in 2006.[14]

Career

2003–2004: Early career, Desi By Nature and setbacks

Singh started as an underground music producer in 2003 with his album Desi By Nature. Singh is a self-taught music producer which he learnt by sampling music, beats from English songs during his college days. The opening track "Jhanjhar Kehndi" featured a fusion of Punjabi language and Hip Hop. The pirated CDs of the album gained popularity and started selling well in Birmingham, United Kingdom. It was in 2003, when Singh started making hip hop beats for his friends from Third Degree Originals (TDO), a group consisting of Pinaki (Phenom), Sean (Bonafide), Alistair (Koncept). Singh was also friends with Kelvin. According to Pinaki aka Phenom, Singh and him met through a common friend while Pinaki was rapping in a club. Singh liked the style of Pinaki's rapping and the two connected and went to a studio and started jamming. Alistair and Sean were friends with Pinaki and the trio with Singh, started jamming sessions together in studio as their vibes matched well. Singh at that time, used to carry his entire CPU cabinet with a handle attached to it's top along side him so he could connect it anywhere and start making beats.[15]

In 2004, a music company from Birmingham contacted him for potentially making him a music producer for a Punjabi remix album, while establishing itself in India as it was a time during which remixes were trending in India. Singh visited Mumbai at 21 years of age for the album. Babul Supriyo, Shweta Pandit were some of the singers for the album. Singh worked on the album for 10 months. A music video was shot for the track "Lekar Hum Deewana Dil Remix" performed by Amitabh Bhattacharya, Shweta Pandit that showcased his first on screen appearance in the music video as "Muzikidd Honey Singh" stylised for Music Kid Honey Singh, which was the name given to him. The album was titled Bollywood Rebirth. However, the album flopped. Singh rejected his pay which was 5 lakh rupees because the album did not perform well.[16]

2005–2007: Glassy, Punjab and early success

In 2005, Singh did an album for Bill Singh named Peshi where he also made an appearance in the music video for the track "Thanedar". In 2005–06, Punjabi singer Ashok Masti contacted Singh for composing a song for him. Singh recalled in an interview with Star Verdict, that when he had come to do a recording in Delhi in 2005, he met Masti when the latter was already working on an album. Singh during this time was struggling, as he wasn't able to get work in England. During their meet, the two had a conversation during which Masti asked Singh to do something for him as well. Singh created a scratch for Masti which he sang. However, Masti was initially skeptical that the particular track might work in England but not in Punjab because it sounded very urban and futuristic. Singh however had a conviction that the track would work which it did. Singh initially wanted a female friend of his to do the vocals for the song however she couldn't come. Singh had sung a dummy which the others liked and went on with. The song composed by Singh was "Glassy", in which Singh for the first time, sang an English rap which was written by his friend Sean known by his stage name today as "Bonafide". Singh also appeared in its music video with Masti. The track became a blockbuster even as far as going to BBC world charts. "Glassy" became a part of Masti's album Clap On The Beat for which Singh did Engineering & Mastering.[17]

After the success of "Glassy", Singh shifted to Mohali, Punjab in 2007, work related as he was suggested by a friend that he would get work easily in Punjab music industry due to its sheer size as a regional music industry. Singh is known for his fusion of Punjabi and Hindi music, prefers to sing in his native languages rather than in English.[18]

2007–2010: Rebirth, The Next Level and multi time award winner

In February 2008, Rebirth by Raj Brar was released with music produced by Singh. This was Singh's first album produced while in Punjab. During the album's initial stages in 2007, Singh grew frustrated with the writers for the album as the music and beats for the album were ready by Singh however, the writers were slow in comparison. Brar subsequently, taught Singh how to write songs as Singh did not know because he was primarily only a music producer. On its release, the album was a success and won Singh many awards in Punjab. The album's lead single "Chandigarh De Nazaareiyan Ne Pattiya" became an instant hit with Brar's solid and impactful voice alongside a featured Punjabi rap from Singh in the music video.[19]

Singh's collaborations with prominent artists, like Diljit Dosanjh, further cemented his position. In 2008–09, Singh worked with Diljit for Diljit's sixth studio album titled The Next Level, for which Singh composed the music and also made key rap appearances on tracks such as "Panga" and "Los Angeles (LA)", while also being the lyricist for the track "Ru Ba Ru", Diljit's only Urdu track till date. The album was a mainstream hit with people enjoying the duo's creation. The title of their song Lak 28 Kudi Da reached number one on the BBC Asian Download Charts in May 2011,[20] and served as a promotional track for Dosanjh's film Lion of Punjab.[21]

Singh produced the music for several other Punjabi artists' albums most notably, The Lock Up by Preet Harpal where the track "Vanjaarey", featured Harpal as the lead singer with Singh as the rapper. In December 2009, The Crown by Raja Baath where lead single "Chaska" became a huge hit with the audience which also featured a rap from Singh. In 2010, The Folkstar by Nishawn Bhullar with tracks "Hummer" and "Bhagat Singh" also featuring Singh's rap. Unlike "Hummer", the track "Bhagat Singh" which was a tribute to the late great Bhagat Singh, did not perform as well as expected from a track of its calibre. However, it has stood the test of time showcasing Singh's wide range in terms of music aside from just making party bangers with many considering the track underrated and ahead of its time.[22]

2010–2014: International Villager, mainstream breakout, singles and Desi Kalakaar

In late 2010, Singh returned to Delhi after being an award-winning music producer in Punjab for 3 years, to complete the mix mastering of his own debut studio album, just a few months before his wedding. A year prior, Singh and Badshah had shot the music video for their track "Get Up Jawani" which later on became a part of Singh's album.[23]

International Villager
Official album cover, 2011

In 2011, Singh made a mark on the music scene with the release of his debut studio album International Villager on 11 November 2011, containing 14 tracks. The album's track "Gabru", featuring J-Star, quickly climbed to the top of the Asian music charts, including the official BBC Asian charts.[24] The music video for the track "Brown Rang" became YouTube's most trending video of the year 2012. Singh was praised for his music composition, lyrics, singing, rap and an internationally shot music video in Dubai by an American director named David Zennie. It won the top spot in the list of YouTube's most watched videos of 2012 in India with over 10 million views in 2012. The song has since received over 350 million views on YouTube.[25][26][27] The album has since been cherished by many, even calling it one of Singh's finest works. The tracks "Angreji Beat" by Honey Singh and Gippy Grewal, "Dope Shope" by Honey Singh and Deep Money, "Goliyaan" by Diljit Dosanjh and Honey Singh and "Get Up Jawani" by Badshah and Honey Singh are the other noteworthy chartbusters from the album.

During the early 2010s, Singh became popular in the Indian music industry, performing at numerous college festivals such as Ansal Institute of Technology and Ramjas College in Delhi.[28]

By 2012, Singh set a record for the highest fee ever paid to an artist for a Bollywood song, reportedly receiving 7 million rupees (US$84,000) for tracks in the movies Cocktail and Mastan. He sang his first Hindi song in Mastan.[29] 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", 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.

Blue Eyes
Official cover, 2013

In 2013, Singh released another song, "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. The single is arguably Singh's biggest single; being the most viewed track of Singh on YouTube with 730+ million views.[30]

Singh alongside MTV, released the track "Bring Me Back" on Singh's official YouTube channel. The track was a response to the controversy he was engulfed in at the time. Singh was also nominated for 2013 MTV EMA alongside his longtime childhood inspiration and music guru, AR Rahman in the "Best Indian Act" category which he won over Rahman.[31]

Later the same year, Singh again partnered up with Alfaaz, for the party banger "Bebo", which was also released on Singh's own channel. The track has since crossed over 50 million views. The duo had previously worked together on Alfaaz's debut album titled Alfaaz - The Boy Next Door in 2011, for which Singh was the music producer with Alfaaz as the lead singer. The tracks "Haye Mera Dil" and "Yaar Bathere" from the album, featured Alfaaz as the main vocalist & lyricist with featured raps from Singh. The two tracks became massive hits.[32]

In 2014, Singh released his second studio album, Desi Kalakaar, with the eponymous title track starring Sonakshi Sinha, Gulshan Grover & Singh, while the track "Love Dose" featured Urvashi Rautela & Singh. The album containing 8 tracks was released on 26 August 2014. The album received positive reception among the audience with people liking both of the aforementioned tracks' music videos and tracks such as "One Thousand Miles" from the album.[33] The music video for the track "Desi Kalakaar" was shot in Los Angeles, California starring Singh & Sonakshi as lovers with Grover as Sonakshi's father and the villain.[34] The music video's duration is about 9:58 mins involving a long car chase scene between Singh and Los Angeles Police, which glued the viewers to their screens to figure out about what will happen to the two lovers.[35] The music video for "Love Dose" was shot at Westfield Stratford City in London, United Kingdom with Rautela as Singh's love interest. There were plans to shoot music videos for other tracks from the album however, Singh's health started deteriorating.[36]

2014–2016: SLAM! The Tour, Bipolar Disorder and musical hiatus

Yo Yo at SLAM! The Tour,
USA, September 2014

In September 2014, during the SLAM tour alongside Shah Rukh Khan in USA, Singh started developing serious mental health issue symptoms. A rumor started floating around that SRK slapped Singh due to his bad behavior during the tour and therefore the show got cancelled. In reality, according to Singh, when they took him to Chicago for the show, he started feeling uneasy and told, that he doesn’t want to perform as he was sure that he was going to die during that show. This mental apprehension was developed in Singh's mind as a result of Singh's constant drug abuse since 2012 and heavy alcoholism. According to Singh, he smoked around 12-15 joints in a single day, subsequently developing Bipolar Disorder with psychotic symptoms. Everyone told him to get ready for the show but he refused. His managers came over, and told him to get ready. Singh again denied. He then went to the washroom, took a trimmer, and shaved off some of his hair, in a way for them to back down and accept his request of not doing the show. However, they said that they'll make him wear a cap instead to do the show. Singh frightened and uneasy, took up a coffee mug, smashed it on his head, got injured and subsequently, hospitalised.[37][38]

According to Singh, few big and influential names from Bollywood introduced him to drugs in 2012. They teased him that he being a Punjabi, easily consumes alcohol. But if he has guts, he would try Charas / Hashish. Singh said what's the problem and smoked several joints of it until it became an addiction.[39]

In March 2015, after several months of absence from the music scene, Singh released "One Bottle Down" as a single on official YouTube channel of T-Series which became an instant hit amongst the audience.[40]

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 hit track "Dheere Dheere" in 2015, a recreation of the song from the movie Aashiqui which he recorded on his iPhone 6 due to his Bipolar Disorder. The track featured Hrithik Roshan and Sonam Kapoor in the music video and was the first Indian song to exceed 200 million views on YouTube.[41]

2016–2018: Brief Recovery, Zorawar and Relapse

In March 2016, Singh made his first public appearance after 18 months of absence at Mirchi Music Awards 2016, where he also did a stage performance which alone crossed over a 100 million views on it's YouTube upload.[42]

During subsequent interviews that followed, Singh recounted how the last 18 months were the "darkest phase" of his life and the fact that he wasn't in a state to talk to anyone. There were rumors that Singh had checked himself into rehab, which he clarified were not true and instead, Singh was residing at his Noida residence throughout. Singh told that he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder with psychotic symptoms during which he had to change four doctors as the medication wasn't working on him and crazy things were happening. Singh confessed that constant drug abuse and heavy alcoholism, worsened his condition which caused Bipolar. Singh further explained about his disorder that at one point he thought that he would never come out of the darkness. He had cut himself off from everyone, didn't step out of his own room, forget his house. During this period, Singh had also grown a long beard and hadn't cut his hair for months. Singh recalled that for someone who had performed in front of a crowd of 20k, he was scared of facing 4-5 people which were his own family members. That is what Bipolar does to a person, Singh added.[43]

In May 2016, Singh's Punjabi action film Zorawar, released with a critical acclaim from the audience along with being one of the most expensive Punjabi films. The film was partly filmed in Durban in 2014 and released after a long delay on 6 May, 2016 due to Singh's bipolar. The EP for the film featured four tracks namely; "Raat Jashan Di" by Yo Yo Honey Singh and Jasmine Sandlas, "Superman" & "Call Aundi" by Yo Yo Honey Singh and "Kalley Rehen De" by Alfaaz, garnering over more than 400 million views collectively. [44][45][46][47][48]

However, the recovery was short lived as when Singh got back to work, he relapsed. Singh's musical hiatus continued until the year 2018.[49] Singh's medications for his bipolar disorder were heavy on Sodium, which causes water retention and subsequent weight gain. As a result, Singh gained a lot of weight during his hiatus as he was only confined to his room.[50]

2018–2022: Comeback and singles

Yo Yo during IIFA Awards, 2019

After overcoming significant health challenges while still being on heavy medication, Singh made a comeback from his musical hiatus in 2018 with the track "Makhna", featuring Neha Kakkar, Singhsta and a reunion with his long time friends from The Third Degree Originals (TDO) featuring Pinaki (Phenom), Alistair (Koncept) and Sean (Bonafide). The track re-established 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.[51]

Following this, Singh released "Urvashi" later that same year, featuring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani. The track is a remake of A.R. Rahman's original track by the same name.[52]

In 2019, he collaborated with Malkit Singh on "Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha - The YOYO Remake", demonstrating his versatility. Singh had previously collabed with Malkit for the track "Beautiful" which was a part of his International Villager album in 2011.[53]

Yo Yo's body transformation, 2020

The year 2020 marked a significant milestone with the release of "Loca", featuring Simar Kaur [54] "Moscow Mashuka", featuring Neha Kakkar, both of which garnered substantial popularity.[55] He also featured in "Billo Tu Agg Ae", a track by Singhsta, which garnered popularity.[56] In December 2020, Hommie Dilliwala and Singh dropped the track "Jingle Bell", which was a hit amongst the fans, expanding Singh's musical repertoire.[57]

In 2021, Continuing his momentum, Singh released "First Kiss", featuring Ipsitaa Khullar, followed by "Saiyaan Ji", a collaboration with Neha Kakkar, which became a superhit. 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.[58]

2022–present: Honey 3.0, Glory, Millionaire India Tour and return to the throne

Yo Yo's salt & pepper look for Millionaire, from Glory, 2024

In 2022, Singh lost a ton of weight as a result of intense workout, strict diet and reduction of his medication due to his gradual recovery and subsequently returning to a leaner & healthier body which took the internet by storm. In 2025, Mr. Asia 2022 & Singh's fitness coach Arun Kumar, revealed Singh's workout and diet plan as a result of Singh losing over 17 kgs of weight in a single month, dropping from 95 kgs to 77 kgs.[59]

Singh continued to build on to his success with tracks like "Ka Kha Ga", "Pankhudi (The Ride Song)", "Designer", and "Casanova" featuring Lil Pump.[60]

In March 2023, Singh released several tracks over a span of an year, as part of his album Honey 3.0, including "Naagan", "Tujh Pe Pyaar", "Savage", "Kuley Kuley" and "Vigdiyan Heeran". Singh collaborated with his childhood rap inspiration Apache Indian on the track "Kuley Kuley". The track also garnered positive reviews and has since crossed 100+ million views on Zee Music Co. 's official YouTube channel. Singh on his Europe tour also performed with Apache Indian notably on the track "Arranged Marriage" by Apache, which was released back in 1993 and is also one of Singh's favourite songs of Apache even as far as Singh remembering the complete rap during their performance for which even Apache appreciated him. Singh also released the track "Kalaastar" as part of the Honey 3.0 album. The track is the sequel to his 2014 blockbuster track "Desi Kalakaar", starring Sonakshi Sinha and Singh, reprising their roles after a 9 years time skip and broke multiple streaming records and was well received by audiences.[61]

In August 2024, Singh launched his album Glory, featuring 18 tracks, including "Millionaire", "Payal", and "Jatt Mehkma". The album also saw Singh's return as a music producer with Leo Grewal as the lyricist and marked a significant milestone in his career receiving widespread acclaim, with multiple songs trending on music streaming platforms. The album consists of 10 different languages including Hindi, Punjabi, English, Haryanvi, Bhojpuri, Spanish, French, Arabic, Sindhi, and Balochi. 6 out of the 10 languages are native to the Indian subcontinent. The album has since shattered many streaming records. The lead track "Millionaire" has crossed 350+ million views on YouTube and 150+ million streams on Spotify in just 8 months. The track "Jatt Mehkma" was Singh's debut as a director and was praised by the netizens. Singh was also praised for his music production and singing on the track "Payal" with Paradox being acclaimed for being the lyricist and rap artist with the music video starring Nora Fatehi which was shot in Tbilisi, Georgia. "Payal" has crossed over 270+ million views on YouTube. The Bonus track from Glory i.e. "MANIAC" also became a blockbuster as Singh was critically praised for his music production and composition skills for his way of blending Bhojpuri with Punjabi with netizens also appreciating him for representing Bhojpuri language on such a grand scale. "MANIAC" 's music video was also critically acclaimed being shot in Dubai, starring Singh and Esha Gupta and has since crossed over 130+ million views on YouTube.[62]

In December 2024, Singh released the track "Hitman" alongside Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, for his movie Fateh (2025 film). The track is sung and composed by Singh himself while its lyricists are Leo Grewal and Paradox who have closely worked with Singh on Glory album as well.[63]

In 2025, Honey Singh announced his Millionaire India Tour in association with Aaj Tak, where he visited 10 cities across India, namely, Mumbai, Lucknow, Delhi, Indore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Kolkata. The tour was a big success with tickets being sold out in minutes and the size of venues being increased of several different locations. Singh had a unique and grand entry at every venue with notably him ascending from the top through a cable during his Mumbai show opener.[64]

In March 2025, Singh partnered up with Leo Grewal for a rap on the track "Shopping List" from Leo's album Leonization. The two have collaborated several times with their very first collab back in 2012 for the chartbuster track "Breakup Party" for which Singh was both the lyricist and the composer. In 2023, The two reunited for the tracks "Can't Find Me" and "Sports Gaddiyan". Leo then worked as the lyricist for Singh, for the album Glory and was also featured in 2 different tracks i.e. "Shamaan De Vele" and "Fuck Them" alongside Singh on the album.[65]

Bollywood

Yo Yo & Shah Rukh Khan, SLAM! The Tour, 2014

Singh received one of his first initial calls from Bollywood from Himesh Reshammiya who called Singh, appreciating his work stating that he himself is a Gujarati, but his young kid was vibing to a Punjabi track released by Singh and singing its hook line, despite nobody in their family actually knowing Punjabi. The track was "Chaska". Singh felt deeply touched that somebody so huge from the Bollywood industry that being Himesh, understood and appreciated him for his work.[66]

His debut song in Bollywood films was "Shakal Pe Mat Ja", featuring Gagan Sidhu in 2011.[67] In 2011, Singh did the opening verse for the track "Subha Hone Na De" which included Mika Singh and a verse from Bohemia as well, the song featured in the Bollywood film Desi Boyz. Singh charged Rs. 7 million for a song in the film Mastan. This was the largest amount paid to a singer in Bollywood then, making Singh one of the highest-paid musical artists in Bollywood.[68][69]

In 2012, Singh featured on the track "Lonely" from Akshay Kumar's film Khiladi 786 alongside Himesh Reshammiya who also performed and composed the song.[70] Singh and Akshay have since appeared many times together with Singh even crediting Akshay Kumar for giving him a chance in Bollywood. Following success of "Angreji Beat" and after its release in the Bollywood film Cocktail (2012 film), Singh created the track "Party All Night" in 2013, for Akshay's film Boss (2013 Hindi film). The music video of the track featured Singh, Akshay and Sonakshi Sinha. He also did a rap on the film's title track "Boss".[71]

In 2013, Singh dropped the track Lungi Dance, alongside Shah Rukh Khan for Khan's film Chennai Express. Khan explained the movie's plot to Singh in order for him to create a track which would fit the movie. After creating Lungi Dance, the song was initially rejected for 20 days by Khan as Khan wanted a song like "Angreji Beat". Singh was sat in the office with Bhushan Kumar and asked whether he also was getting the conviction of the song being a superhit to which Bhushan also agreed. Singh proposed that they should shoot the song and release it as a single. Singh's plan was to shoot the song in Hyderabad with 200 kids wearing Lungi. Khan and Rohit Shetty got this news and instead, agreed to accept the song for the movie. The track became a blockbuster hit and has since crossed 470+ million views on YouTube.[72]

In January 2014, Singh released "Sunny Sunny" for the movie Yaariyan (2014 film) on T-Series' official YouTube channel. The track has since crossed 450+ million views on YouTube.[73]

In March 2014, Singh released "Party With The Bhoothnath" alongside Big B, Amitabh Bachchan for the film Bhoothnath Returns. The track has since crossed 300+ million views on YouTube. Netizens not only enjoyed the track, but also cherished the duo's on screen presence together despite having such different personalities.[74]

Later in the same year, Singh dropped "Aata Majhi Satakli" alongside Ajay Devgn for the film Singham Returns.[75] While also dropping "Manali Trance" with Lil Golu and Neha Kakkar and "Alcoholic" for Akshay Kumar's film The Shaukeens.[76]

In February 2015, he came back with the song "Birthday Bash" with Alfaaz for the film Diliwali Zaalim Girlfriend,[77] followed by songs in films including "Aao Raja" in Gabbar Is Back and "Aankhon Aankhon" in Bhaag Johnny.[78][79]

Mumbai Saga's first song, "Shor Machega", was released on 28 February 2021. It was composed by Singh, with lyrics and vocals by Singh and Hommie Dilliwala.[80]

Acting

Singh made his acting debut with a cameo appearance in Baljit Singh Deo's Punjabi film Mirza - The Untold Story (2012), performing the role of Deesha, a mad gangster. The role won him the PTC Punjabi Film Award for Best Male Debut.

In 2013, 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 2014, Singh appeared in his first Hindi film, this time a period thriller film directed by Anant Mahadevan and produced by Vipin Reshammiya, The Xposé, as Kenny Damania, a music director alongside Himesh Reshammiya.

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

Mafia Mundeer: 2009-2013

Mafia Mundeer was a platform pioneered & created by Yo Yo Honey Singh. Singh's initial thought regarding the platform was to incorporate different artists who would come together to sing, perform, record and release their tracks with nobody being legally bounded. The name was coined by Singh and the late Raj Brar in 2007. Brar was also the person who taught Singh about how to write songs. Singh asked Brar to suggest him a Punjabi name for a non violent gang like how the youngsters group up together in places like Delhi to which Brar replied with "Mundeer". Singh also took the inspiration from the style of "Mafias" and how Mafias act and control the Gangsters in the streets. Hence, Mafia Mundeer came into existence.[81]

The platform has since become notable as it included today's huge artists from Delhi such as Raftaar, Ikka (formerly Young Amli), Lil Golu and allegedly Badshah. While it also included Alfaaz, Money Aujla, J Star, Leo Grewal and Ninja from Punjab.[82]

Yo Yo & Badshah, 2007-08
Yo Yo & Badshah
from Get Up Jawani, 2009

The involvement of Badshah as a member of "Mafia Mundeer" has been a matter of great discussion. Badshah started working with Singh after his track Soda Whiskey turned out to be a hit in 2006. Badshah's stage name at that time was Cool Equal. It was Honey Singh who gave him the name "Badshah" as according to Badshah, Singh thought that he lived like a Badshah i.e. he would wake up, eat or sleep whenever he wanted to and according to his own liking. Hence, the name "Badshah" was given by Singh. Singh and Badshah worked closely since 2006 as Singh was paid by Badshah's father to do music for Badshah's English album. The duo recorded several tracks out of which "Begani Naar", "Khol Botal" and "Dilli Ke Deewane" released in 2007-08. In 2009, the music video for the track "Get Up Jawani" was shot which later became a part of International Villager in 2011. Badshah split from Singh & "Mafia Mundeer" in 2012 citing credit related issues.[83]

Badshah claims he, Ikka, Lil Golu, Raftaar and Honey Singh were part of the original Mafia Mundeer. Singh has denied these claims clarifying that Badshah was not a talent picked up from the streets and was instead just a client for him.[84] Singh instead stated that Raftaar, Ikka (formerly Young Amli), Lil Golu indeed were part of Mafia Mundeer as all three of them were chosen by him. In 2009, Singh heard a track on Orkut which was uploaded by The Black Wall Street Desi's, the group which included Raftaar, Ikka and Lil Golu. Singh reached out to the three youngsters on Orkut and invited them to his studio in Okhla, Delhi. Ikka recalls that the very first day the three of them met him, Singh showed them the music video of "Get Up Jawani". Ikka further states that he was shocked and mesmerized at what the two had created while comparing it to what the three of them were doing at that time. Singh also spoke to the youngsters, appreciating their talent, while also pointing out their rawness during recordings and subsequent room for improvement & learning. Ikka quit the group after 6 months, being told by Raftaar that he had been kicked out by Honey Singh which was not true. While Lil Golu stood with Singh, Raftaar left the group in 2011, citing credit issues.[85]

Money Aujla, Yo Yo, Alfaaz, J Star
(Mafia Mundeer), 2012

During 2010–11, several people from Punjab also joined the group including Alfaaz, Money Aujla, J Star, Leo Grewal, Ninja. Money Aujla and J Star featured on the tracks "Aashke" and "Gabru" respectively from Singh's International Villager album. Money Aujla also did another track with Singh titled "Siftaan" in 2012 with Alfaaz as the lyricist. Singh and Alfaaz first collabed together for the track "Haye Mera Dil" which featured a rap from Singh, in 2011 from Alfaaz's debut album Alfaaz – The Boy Next Door for which Singh composed the music and also did a feature rap on the tracks "Haye Mera Dil" and "Yaar Bathere" with Alfaaz as the lyricist. Singh also partnered up with Leo Grewal for Leo's debut single "Breakup Party" alongside Singh, which was written and composed by Singh. The group disbanded in 2013.[82][86]

Personal life

On 23 January 2011, Singh married Shalini Talwar, a longtime girlfriend who Singh met during his tuition days. In November 2023, the couple were divorced after Talwar claimed she had suffered domestic violence. Singh denied the allegations, and Talwar withdrew the allegations after a divorce settlement.[87] Reportedly, Singh paid over 1 crore rupees as alimony to his ex-wife.[88]

Documentary

In December 2024, a documentary titled Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous was released on Netflix. The documentary received mixed reviews.[89][90][91][92]

Discography

Albums

Title Producer(s) Writer(s) Label Language(s) Release Date
International Villager[2] Yo Yo Honey Singh Various Speed Records Punjabi, Hindi, English 11 November 2011
Desi Kalakaar[93] Yo Yo Honey Singh, Lil Golu T-Series Punjabi, Hindi, English 26 August 2014
Honey 3.0 Yo Yo Honey Singh, Bass Yogi, Hommie Dilliwala, Sanjoy Yo Yo Honey Singh, Rony Ajnali,

Gill Macchari

Zee Music Company Punjabi, Hindi, English 15 March 2024
Glory Yo Yo Honey Singh Leo Grewal, Various T-Series Various Languages 26 August 2024
Glorious Days TBA TBA TBA 26 August 2025
International Villager 2 TBA TBA Punjabi TBA

Singles

Track Year Artist(s) Music Music Label Notes
Jhanjhar Kehndi 2003 Tarun Sagar featuring Karma Yo Yo Honey Singh Karma Recordz From the album,
Desi By Nature
Lekar Hum Deewana Dil (remix) 2004 Amitabh Bhattacharya, Shweta Pandit Tegson Entertainment From the album,
Bollywood Rebirth
Thanedar 2005 Bill Singh M Series From the album,
Peshi
Glassy 2006 Ashok Masti, Honey Singh Zee Music Company From the album,
Clap On The Beat
Begani Naar 2007-08 Badshah featuring Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
Khol Botal
Dilli Ke Deewane
"Chandigarh" 2008 Raj Brar featuring Honey Singh Frankfinn Entertainment Company From the album, Rebirth
Rangli
Vanjaarey 2009 Preet Harpal featuring Honey Singh MovieBox From the album,
The Lock Up
Lock Up Preet Harpal
Sharaabia Preet Harpal, Raftaar, Honey Singh
Lakk Inderjeet Nikku featuring Honey Singh Times Music From the album, Khalaas
College
Shartan Pappi Gill featuring Honey Singh T-Series
Gadbad Ikka, Raftaar, Lil Golu, Yo Yo Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
Bhagat Singh (The Tribute) Diljit Dosanjh featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh
Ego (Main, Me & Myself)
Dance with Me
Panga T-Series From the album, The Next Level
Los Angeles (LA)
Ru Ba Ru Diljit Dosanjh
Dil Nach Da
Chaska Raja Baath, Yo Yo Honey Singh Anand Industries From the album, The Crown
Mood Kharab (remix)
Husan Di Botal
Hummer 2010 Nishawn Bhullar featuring Honey Singh Single Track Studios From the album, The Folk Star
Bhagat Singh (26 March, The Holiday)
Scooty
Mera Jee Karda Rimz J, Honey Singh M Series From the album, The Rising Queen
Kamli Kamli Rimz J, Raftaar, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Banda Marna Balli Rair, Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series From the album, Never Done Before
Zanjeer Karan Jasbir featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Jasraj Records From the album, The Game Changer
Jatt Soorme Garry Hothi featuring Honey Singh Speed Records From the album, Jatt Soorme
Khoon Vich Garmi
Lak 28 Kudi Da Diljit Dosanjh, Yo Yo Honey Singh Promotional track from the film, Lion of Punjab
Sadko Pe Khaali Peeli Firta Mai Raftaar, Yo Yo Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
Haye Mera Dil 2011 Alfaaz, Yo Yo Honey Singh Speed Records From the album, Alfaaz – The Boy Next Door
Yaar Baathere
Shakal Pe Mat Ja Gagan Sidhu, Yo Yo Honey Singh Venus Music From the film, Shakal Pe Mat Ja
Main Aagaya Badshah Mafia Mundeer Records
Jaan Mangdi Jassi Sidhu, Yo Yo Honey Singh Speed Records
Dope Shope Deep Money, Yo Yo Honey Singh From the album, International Villager
Gabru J-Star
Angreji Beat Gippy Grewal, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Goliyan 2012 Diljit Dosanjh, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Brown Rang Yo Yo Honey Singh
Get Up Jawani Badshah, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Chammak Challo (remix) J-Star, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Achko Machko Yo Yo Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
15 Saal Diljit Dosanjh, Yo Yo Honey Singh Diljit Dosanjh
High Heels Jaz Dhami, Yo Yo Honey Singh Jaz Dhami
Siftaan Money Aujla, Yo Yo Honey Singh Speed Records
Breakup Party
(Upar Upar In The Air)
Leo Grewal, Yo Yo Honey Singh Mafia Mundeer Records
SATAN
(Weed/Neat Pila De)
Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar
This Party Getting Hot Jazzy B, Yo Yo Honey Singh Jazzy B Records
Mere Mehboob 2013 Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Bring Me Back Yo Yo Honey Singh
Bebo Alfaaz, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Blue Eyes Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series
Desi Kalakaar 2014 Yo Yo Honey Singh From the album, Desi Kalakaar,
featuring Sonakshi Sinha
Love Dose Yo Yo Honey Singh
Issey Kehte Hain Hip Hop Yo Yo Honey Singh, Lil Golu
Mehrma Sam Sandu, Yo Yo Honey Singh Sony Music India
One Bottle Down 2015 Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series
Dheere Dheere Yo Yo Honey Singh Featuring Hritilk Roshan, Sonam Kapoor
Superman 2016 Yo Yo Honey Singh From the film, Zorawar,
Featuring Parul Gulati
Call Aundi
Raat Jashan Di Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jasmine Sandlas From the film, Zorawar,
Featuring Jasmine Sandlas
Urvashi 2018 Yo Yo Honey Singh Featuring Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani
Makhna Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar, Singhsta, Pinaki (Phenom), Sean (Bonafide), Allistair (Koncept)
Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha - The YOYO Remake 2019 Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Malkit Singh
Loca 2020 Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Simar Kaur
Moscow Mashuka Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Neha Kakkar and Ekaterina Sizova
Billo Tu Agg Ae Singsta featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Singsta
First Kiss Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Ipsitaa Khullar Yo Yo Honey Singh
Jingle Bell Hommie Dilliwala featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh
Saiyaan Ji[94] 2021 Yo Yo Honey Singh and Neha Kakkar Featuring Nushrratt Bharuccha
Kanta Laga[95] Tony Kakkar featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh and Neha Kakkar Tony Kakkar Desi Music Factory
Boom Boom Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Gaddi Neevi Singhsta featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Singhsta Speed Records
Ka Kha Ga 2022 Hommie Dilliwala featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh
Designer[96] Yo Yo Honey Singh and Guru Randhawa Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series
Casanova Yo Yo Honey Singh featuring Lil Pump and DJ Shadow Dubai Dj Shadow Dubai Beast Music
Melody Roja Yo Yo Honey Singh Bass Yogi Zee Music Company
Paris Ka Trip Yo Yo Honey Singh and Millind Gaba Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series Featuring Tina Thadani and Mariana Loaiza
Together Forever Yo Yo Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh
Tension Hommie Dilliwala featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala
JAAM (The Casino Song) Yo Yo Honey Singh Nanku (Udbhav) Nahmoh Studios
Yai Re (The Remix) Yo Yo Honey Singh and Lulia Vantur Yo Yo Honey Singh Tips Official
Gatividhi Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh Namoh Studios Featuring Mouni Roy
Note Fenko (The Karampura Song) 2023 Yo Yo Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Yo Yo Honey Singh
Pankhudi (The Ride Song) Sanjoy Featuring Riya Kishanchandani
Lashkare Bass Yogi and Yo Yo Honey Singh Featuring Nicole Faria
Kanna Vich Waaliyan Hommie Dilliwala featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Hommie Dilliwala Namoh Studios Featuring Aparna Nayr and Livia Viktoria
Sports Gaddiyan Leo Grewal featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Leo Grewal, Young J Yo Yo Honey Singh Lyrical Video
Who Knows So Dee featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Mahii Singh Featuring Teodora Atanasovski
Tell Me Once Alfaaz featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Naagan Yo Yo Honey Singh Bass Yogi Zee Music Company From the album, Honey 3.0
Tujh Pe Pyaar
Let's 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 the album, Honey 3.0
Kalaastar Yo Yo Honey Singh Bass Yogi
Vigdiyaan Heeran Yo Yo Honey Singh Honey Singh
Millionaire 2024 Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh T-Series From the album, Glory
Bonita Yo Yo Honey Singh, THE SHAMS
High On Me Yo Yo Honey Singh, Talwiinder
Jatt Mehkma Yo Yo Honey Singh
Payal Yo Yo Honey Singh, Paradox From the album, Glory, Featuring Nora Fatehi
Hitman Yo Yo Honey Singh Zee Music Company From the film, Fateh (2025 film),
Featuring Sonu Sood
Maniac 2025 Yo Yo Honey Singh, Ragini Vishwakarma, Arjun Ajanabi T-Series Bonus track from the album, Glory, Featuring Esha Gupta
Teri Yaadein Yo Yo Honey Singh, Grini Grini Bonus track from the album, Glory, Featuring Nargis Fakhri

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, Bohemia Pritam
2012 Cocktail Main Sharabi Yo Yo Honey Singh, Javed Bashir
Angreji 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 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[97]
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[98]
Jai Ho Aandho Aandho Yo Yo Honey Singh Sajid-Wajid
Ragini MMS 2 Chaar Botal Vodka [99] 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
CityLights Channa Yo Yo Honey Singh
The Shaukeens Alcoholic Yo Yo Honey Singh
Manali Trance Neha Kakkar, Lil Golu, 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 [100] 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 [101] Yo Yo Honey Singh, Shurti Pathak
Pagalpanti Thumka [102] 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
2025 Fateh Hitman Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Raid 2 Money Money Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh
Housefull 5 Laal Pari Yo Yo Honey Singh, Simar Kaur Yo Yo Honey Singh
One Bottle Down 2.0 Yo Yo Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao Yo Yo Honey Singh

Production discography

Year Album Artist Additional producer(s)
2003 Desi By Nature Various
2004 Bollywood Rebirth Various
2005 Peshi Bill Singh
2006 Clap On The Beat Ashok Masti
Surma Bopaz
2008 Rebirth Raj Brar
2009 The Next Level Diljit Dosanjh
The Lock Up Preet Harpal
The Beginning Resham Singh Anmol
The Crown Raja Baath
2010 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 Yo Yo Honey Singh
2012 Born This Way Varinder Brar
2014 Desi Kalakaar[93] Yo Yo Honey Singh
2023 Honey 3.0 Yo Yo Honey Singh Bass Yogi, Hommie Dilliwala
2024 Glory Yo Yo Honey Singh

Filmography

Movies

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
2026 Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 Returns Rolly 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 supposed misogyny caused controversy.[114] 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.[115] After the campaign, Singh's New Year concert was cancelled by the hotel.[116] Singh denies writing such type of offensive lyrics.[117] Chandigarh High Court dismissed cases against Singh over such song.[118]

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 abusive 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 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.[119]

His work has been criticised as being vulgar, promoting misogyny, offensive, promoting alcohol abuse and being a bad influence on youth.[120][121] There have been reactions in print to Singh, such as from Annie Zaidi, who wrote "An Open Letter to Honey Singh" in January 2013,[122] and Sandipan Sharma, who wrote "Thanks for the crassness: An open letter to Honey Singh from a parent" in July 2014.[123]

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".[124]

In 2015, a student of St. Stephen's College went viral for a rap that parodied Singh's problematic songs from a feminist perspective.[125][126]

In 2021, Shalini Talwar, Honey Singh's wife filed a case against him in Tis Hazari Court on grounds of domestic violence, physical & mental torture caused by Singh's parents and sister, along with Singh's several extra-martial affairs (adultery). The case was settled by a settlement outside court with Singh supposedly paying over more than 1 crore rupees.[127]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Delhi-based singer Yo Yo Honey Singh forays into Bollywood". India Today. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Honey Singh is YouTube's most trending Indian of 2012".
  3. ^ Goldsmith, Melissa Ursula Dawn; Fonseca, Anthony J. (1 December 2018). Hip Hop around the World: An Encyclopedia [2 volumes]. ABC-CLIO. p. 339. ISBN 978-0-313-35759-6. As of 2018, producer, singer, and actor Yo Yo Honey Singh (aka Honey Singh, Hirdesh Singh, 1983-) is the most popular hip hop artist in India. (..) Singh has become widely popular in Bollywood, where he rose to fame in late 2013.
  4. ^ Fonseca, Anthony J. (26 September 2019). Listen to Rap!: Exploring a Musical Genre. Bloomsbury Academic. p. 224. ISBN 978-1-4408-6566-4. As of 2019, producer, singer, and actor Yo Yo Honey Singh (a.k.a. Honey Singh) is the most popular rap artist in India.
  5. ^ "15 facts to know about Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh". 15 March 2015.
  6. ^ "I am my own favourite: Honey Singh". The Times of India. 13 January 2015.
  7. ^ Kanetkar, Riddhima (22 February 2024). "Meet superstar whose family came to India from Pakistan, earned living by selling mobile phones, became highest paid." DNA India. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  8. ^ "13 साल की उम्र में बन गए थे नास्तिक हनी सिंह" [At the age of 13, Honey Singh became an atheist]. www.abplive.com (in Hindi). 2 September 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  9. ^ Uday, Bhatnagar (31 August 2024). "गेस्ट इन द न्यूजरूम: Honey Singh ने Mafia Mundir में Badshah, Raftar से लड़ाई, Shahrukh के थप्पड़ पर सब बताया" [Guest in the Newsroom: Honey Singh talked about his fights with Badshah and Raftaar in Mafia Mundeer, and revealed everything about the slap incident with Shahrukh.]. The Lallantop (in Hindi). Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  10. ^ "Haridwar: महादेव की भक्ति में लीन दिखे सिंगर हनी सिंह, नशा मुक्ति को लेकर युवाओं से की ये खास अपील" [Haridwar: Singer Honey Singh seen immersed in devotion to Lord Mahadev, makes a special appeal to youth regarding de-addiction.]. Amar Ujala (in Hindi). 18 March 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  11. ^ "हनी सिंह ने ग्रेजुएशन में BSc IT ही क्यों चुना? इंटरव्यू में खोला राज" [Why did Honey Singh choose BSc IT for his graduation? He revealed the reason in an interview.]. www.aajtak.in (in Hindi). 8 September 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  12. ^ Mug, The Story (8 September 2024). "Music, Mistakes, and Maturity: Reflective Interview Of Honey Singh With The Lallantop - THE STORY MUG". Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  13. ^ Srivastava, Priyanka (8 July 2012). "Delhi-based singer Yo Yo Honey Singh forays into Bollywood". India Today. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  14. ^ "Honey Singh on how he made it big". India Today. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Indian Hip-Hop's Ace Producer Phenom is Turning to his Punjabi Roots". 25 June 2020.
  16. ^ "Never written a song that needs beeping out: Honey Singh". The Times of India. 10 July 2013.
  17. ^ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories".
  18. ^ "Why sing in English: Honey Singh". Hindustan Times. 9 May 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  19. ^ "Punjabi lyricist-actor Raj Brar no more". January 2017.
  20. ^ Overdorf, Jason (31 July 2016). "India: Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh tops 2012 Youtube views". The World from PRX. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  21. ^ "'Lak 28' to 'Proper Patola': Top 5 most popular collaborations of Diljit Dosanjh". The Times of India. 14 July 2021. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 May 2025. 'Lak 28 Kudi Da' is from Diljit Dosanjh's debut movie 'Lions Of Punjab'. Though the movie couldn't work at the box office, the song ft. Yo Yo Honey Singh simply rocked the music charts. It helped Diljit Dosanjh win a number of awards. In fact, it was the first song that helped Diljit garner global recognition.
  22. ^ "Honey Singh On Embracing His Original Style Of Music After 'Acting Like 40-Year-Old Man': They Love This Stupid Artiste". Times Now. 13 March 2025.
  23. ^ "Why did Honey Singh and Badshah split? - Quora".
  24. ^ "Asian Music Chart on 25/12/2011". Official Charts.
  25. ^ "Brown Rang on YouTube". YouTube. 27 February 2012.
  26. ^ "Brown Rang News On IMdb". IMDb.
  27. ^ "PUNJABI RAPPER HONEY SINGH'S BROWN RANG IS THIS YEAR'S YOUTUBE STAR".
  28. ^ "Honey Singh performs at Ramjas College fest in Delhi University". The Times of India. 29 January 2014. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  29. ^ "Honey Singh set to conquer Bollywood". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  30. ^ Sengar, Resham (13 November 2013). "Honey Singh's 'Blue Eyes': What is it all about?". Zee News. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  31. ^ "A R Rahman and Yo Yo Honey Singh to compete at Europe Music Awards". NDTV. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  32. ^ "Universal music signs in music album 'Bebo' with Honey Singh, video already popular". 19 June 2013.
  33. ^ "Honey Singh's Desi Kalakaar launched on Hungama.com". The Indian Express. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  34. ^ Sharma, Ashish (4 October 2014). "Can't stop, won't stop". Archived from the original on 25 April 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  35. ^ "Watch: Honey Singh and Sonakshi's love story in Desi Kalakaar". India Today. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
  36. ^ "Honey Singh on his bipolar disorder: After sunset, I feared my family". www.hindustantimes.com. 16 March 2016.
  37. ^ "Honey Singh breaks silence on whether Shah Rukh Khan had slapped him violently during a tour: 'Nobody knows what I'm going to...'". The Times of India. 21 December 2024 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
  38. ^ "Honey Singh injured, opts out of Shah Rukh Khan's SLAM the tour | T-Series". tseries.com.
  39. ^ "Honey Singh On People Who Pushed Him Towards Drug Addiction: "Few Big Names, Very Influential Names"". NDTV.
  40. ^ "Bhushan Kumar brings Honey Singh back with 'One Bottle Down'". The Times of India. 10 April 2015.
  41. ^ "Honey Singh's Dheere Dheere Se crosses 200 million views on YouTube in 2015". Hindustan Times. 5 March 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  42. ^ "Mirchi Music Awards 2016: Yo Yo Honey Singh, Ash King pay tribute to Govinda!". The Times of India.
  43. ^ "Yo Yo Honey Singh: I must confess that I was bipolar and an alcoholic. It was scary!". The Times of India. August 2017.
  44. ^ Offensive, Marking Them (6 April 2016). "'Zorawar' director Vinnil Markan hopes Yo Yo Honey Singh becomes 'superstar' actor". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  45. ^ "Zorawar song Raat Jashan Di featuring Yo Yo Honey Singh crosses 3 million views!". India.com. 7 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  46. ^ "Zorawar cast".
  47. ^ "फिल्म के लीड रोल में दिखेगा बॉलीवुड का सबसे हॉट सिंगर- Amarujala". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). 2 May 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2016.
  48. ^ "Yoyo is back". Freepress Journal. 4 April 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  49. ^ "Yo Yo Honey Singh says he lives in people's hearts: 'You can only remove me with surgery'". www.hindustantimes.com. 8 October 2019.
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