I am not a controversy king; I am a victim of controversy - Yo Yo Honey Singh

No singer in India today has the legion of fan following that Yo Yo Honey Singh commands. If word is out that Honey Singh is performing, mayhem ensues with people thronging the venue in hordes just to catch a glimpse of India’s favourite rapper. As much as he is famous for his songs, Honey is also notorious for courting controversies. In a candid chat with Tellychakkar.com, Honey lashes out at his critics who label him as ‘Controversy’s favourite child.’ Hi Yo Yo. You are on a roll these days. Bollywood seems to have replaced item numbers today with Yo Yo Honey Singh. What’s your take? (Smiles)I started off as a music director in Punjab but yeah (thinks), let me sing and explain. (croons animatedly)… Shuru kiya maine as a music director, Aaj mere yaar dost bade bade actor, Waise bollywood main banti hain roz picture, par superhit picture ka Yo Yo Hain X factor. Last year, you took Bollywood by storm by joining hands with Shah Rukh Khan for lungi dance. Which Khan is on your radar this year? Yaar, I am a very simple man at heart. And in Bollywood, my intention is to give only those people songs who give me love and respect. I don’t sell my songs to anyone for money. I have met Aamir Bhai once but I am yet to meet Salman bhai. I respect both Salman and Aamir bhai. And what about Shah Rukh? (Smiles) Shah Rukh Bhai loves me as a big brother and he was my first choice because he is my mom’s favourite. I will work for any big guy who loves me. There are many who say that you are a controversy king. How do you react to such statements? (Stares angrily) See, if I had been a controversy king, you would see me in reality shows. Have you seen me in any reality shows till now? (Raises his voice a bit) Tell me, have you ever seen me in any till now? I just make songs man. Yes I have been a victim of controversy but not the controversy king. I am an artist and if you support me I can do a lot more. Then what about the usage of words like Sharab in your lyrics. Isn’t that controversial? (Starts singing) Log kehte hain Main Sharabi (Sharbi movie). Now this song came in even before we were born. Didn’t they use the word sharab then? There is this other song – Aaj ki raat mere, Dil ki Salami le le (Ram Aur Shyam). Tell me, which Salaami is Uncle talking about at at night? All these lines were present even then. Why am I being singled out? But then there are many who hate you? The people who love me are in millions and those who don’t are outnumbered. There may be only around 200 to 300 people who dislike me and for them I have written a song. (Sings) Ki mujhe rooko tooko main likhta rahoonga, Tv pe har dum dikhta rahoonga, Mere saath dena Hindustan ke mediawalon,Main khaali cd bechu toh bhi bhikta rahoonga. What would you say is your contribution to India and its music? When I started singing, international songs in India used to be heard by a lot many people. And although Indians understand English well, not many remember English songs. I have shot videos all around the world internationally and even in Hollywood and you have liked my latest album Blue Eyes as well but I talk about local things, things which are Indian in nature and culture. So I do retain a patriotic fervor. I sing in our national language and hope to get a Grammy for India one day, if all of you support me. And I am happy that all of you have supported me till now. When Psy’s Gangnam style became number one in the world, in India it was my song Brown Rang that was at the number one position and Gangnam was at number 2. It’s my dream to represent India internationally and win a Grammy without singing in English. You are currently shooting with Sunny Leone in Ragini MMS 2. What do you have to say about Sunny? She is great. I have seen her Hindi movies but now I want to see her in a hardcore action movie like the stuff Cameroon Diaz does. Ragini MMS 2 is essentially a mixture of sex and horror? What do you think of such movies? It’s a good combination but then again if you are afraid while watching sex, then what’s the use (winks).