Sensational and controversial these are the two words that have used most frequently to describe rapper, singer and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh in recent times.
But the 29-year-old Trinity graduate calls himself an artist and romantic. "I can also be obstinate at times," says Singh, who made headlines early this year. In a candid chat with CS, he talks about his new single Bebo, singing in B-town and the real man behind the bad boy image:
Who: Yo Yo Honey Singh
What: Talking about his music and imageu00a0
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Promotional Feature/Editor: Shubha Shetty-Sahau00a0
High notes
You can say that Bebo is a bit inspired by Kareena Kapoor. She's got class and grace, and Bebo is her nickname. Talking about Bollywood, I am not choosy about my songs per se. When I get a song, I try to feel it within me, and depending on the kind of reaction it elicits, I decide on whether to go ahead or not. I would love to sing for AR Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Salim Suleiman. Other than Punjabi, I sing a lot in Hindi as well. Last year, I sang a Gujarati song called Achko Machko. It's my dream to sing in all Indian languages.
The bad boy image
Frankly, I was in shock when I first heard that reports of me doing a song like Balatkari were making the rounds. I stayed calm because I hadn’t sung it and had no connection to it. I always believed that all my fans knew me well enough to know that I would not sing something like that. I replied to it legally with several public notices in the newspapers. Things are better as the case is now in court, where I can prove myself right. I respect the Indian judiciary and I know that all those trying to defame me with these false allegations have no proof against me. Finally, I know that my fans and God is with me.
Of guts and glamour
I don't think I have a larger- than- life personality. I know I've been able to strike a chord with my music, but I am striving to better myself every time. I am very connected to my roots. I still remember my early days as a broke musician with no work and no money. At that point, I was very depressed. But somewhere down the line, I strongly believed in my music. That's what kept me going. I like to be myself, irrespective of what people perceive me to be. As a person, I am easy-going, fun- loving and someone who wants to live life to the fullest.
Setting the stage on fire
It was in March, 2013 when Mika paaji and I performed together at Atlantis Beach, Dubai before a crowd of 20,000. I celebrated my birthday on stage. It was such a great feeling to celebrate my birthday with my real family - my fans. I will always cherish that moment.u00a0
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