Recently, during a talk show, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar mentioned that he doesn’t watch his own films because he doesn’t want to be that person who only reminisces about past glories. This sentiment resonates with the new documentary, Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, which feels like a visit to a once-celebrated artist who now evokes more pity than nostalgia.
The documentary had a lot of potential. For many millennials, Honey Singh was a gateway into the world of rap music. His songs, while often vulgar and problematic, were undeniably catchy. However, the film only scratches the surface of his personality. It fails to delve into the reasons behind his controversial lyrics that promote aggressive capitalism and objectification of women. Instead, it feels more like a promotional piece for his anticipated comeback rather than a genuine exploration of his life and career.
Directed by Mozez Singh and streaming on Netflix, the documentary starts off predictably with old footage of a young Honey Singh inserting a CD into a stereo. His voiceover sets the stage for a rags-to-riches story, claiming, “I am not a son of a musician, a music director, or a singer.” His sister adds, “I knew he was going to do something big, but I had no idea he would be… Yo Yo Honey Singh.”
At times, the documentary comes off as almost comedic. For instance, while creating lyrics for a song featuring Salman Khan, Honey and his team come up with lines that translate to, “I am your Nobita; you are my Shizuka,” which feels more like a parody than a serious artistic endeavor. Overall, the documentary misses the mark, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than a deeper understanding of the controversial figure that is Yo Yo Honey Singh.
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