After the success of the iconic movie Chennai Express, a sensational rumor about an alleged slap between Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan and Singer-Rapper Honey Singh surfaced on the internet. The rumor has finally been addressed by Honey Singh himself. In his Netflix documentary, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, released on December 20, the singer lays bare the truth behind the incident that created a media frenzy nearly a decade ago.
Honey Singh, who gained immense popularity with the iconic Lungi Dance from Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s blockbuster film Chennai Express, revealed the circumstances surrounding his absence from a performer during a Chicago show with Shahrukh Khan.
Recalling the Chicago incident, Honey Singh said that he was battling with severe mental health issues at the time. “When Shahrukh took me to the Chicago show, I didn't want to perform. I thought I was going to die on stage. Despite everyone, including Shahrukh encouraging me to prepare, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was sitting angrily and didn’t want to go up there,” Singh shared.
In a shocking moment of frustration, he admitted to hitting himself with a coffee mug, leading to speculation and misunderstanding among those around him. Honey Singh also clarified that the report of Sharukh slapping him was completely false. “Someone spread this rumor. That man (Shahrukh) loves me so much that he would never do that” he said.
Battling bipolar disorder and psychosis
Honey Sing opened up about his mental health struggles during the height of his career. He revealed that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, accompanied by psychotic symptoms. These challenges led to irrational fears and paranoia. “I used to think about things that made no sense. Even when my maid would come home, I’d be scared of her, thinking she was laughing at me or cleaning blood that wasn’t there,” he shared.
The rapper’s condition severely impacted his life and career. He isolated himself, stopped meeting people, and spent most of his time sleeping. “I repeatedly felt like I was going to die,” Singh said.
The severity of his condition forced Honey Singh to step away from the industry at the peak of his success. After years of treatment, he made a comeback in 2016, performing at the Mirchi Music Awards, where he was seated next to Shahrukh Khan. His comeback song Makhna, released in 2018, marked his re-entry into the music world.
In his documentary, Honey Sigh expressed gratitude for the love and support he received from Shahrukh Khan during his struggles, “Shahrukh always cared for me, and it disheartening that such baseless rumors spread about him hurting me. The truth is far from it” Singh affirmed.
Honey Singh’s documentary sheds light on the darker side of fame and the mental health challenges many artists face behind the glitz and glamour. His journey from battling inner demons to reclaiming his place in the industry is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
With Yo yo Honey Singh: Famous, streaming on Netflix, fans can now gain deeper insights into the life of the rapper who redefined Indian music and bravery overcame personal struggles.