Rapper, singer and composer Yo Yo Honey Singh recently launched his new music album ‘Desi Kalakaar’. T-Series' head honcho Bhushan Kumar and Hungama's Neeraj Roy were also present.Honey Singh also launched the album's first video song ‘Desi Kalakaar’ starring actress Sonakshi Sinha. After showcasing the video he performed two numbers from the album 'Love Dose' where he was joined by Urvashi Rautela who will be featuring in the song and ‘1000 miles’.

Verus Ferreira meets up for a chat with the Punjabi singer who’s most famous song ‘Sunny Sunny’ has created a rage in the country.

So tell us what is the album all about and how did it come about?

The album comprises 8 songs that will take the audience back to Honey Singh's roots of Punjabi numbers that have unconventional music notes. I have composed and written all the songs, mostly club numbers, with my own flavor thus the name 'Desi Kalakaar'. It has a slight romantic flavor to it.

What can we expect from the album? More party dance numbers?

This album has less party songs. There is no alcohol song in it. It is a very romantic and dance-based album. It is something new from Yo Yo Honey. A new avatar of me as ‘Desi Kalakaar’. I think this album has long shelf life. You can listen to it as many times as you can. The interesting part about the songs from 'Desi Kalakaar' is that they are not just songs but short films, which is something new. I have worked very closely with Bhushan Kumar and we have managed to give some super hit songs together. They always give the necessary creative freedom to the artiste which I really appreciate.

How will you go about promoting this album?

As I said, I have joined hands with Bhushan Kumar of T-Series, so I am confident the song will do well. I have delivered chartbusters like ‘Sunny sunny’, ‘Lungi dance’, ‘Party all night’ and ‘Chaar bottle vodka’, which featured in different films, so this should be another out and out hit. I would like to state that each of the seven tracks have been handpicked by Kumar. Also I have tied up with Hungama and so the songs and the video of the title track Desi Kalakar will be available across Hungama's digital platforms for download and streaming and it will reach out to audiences globally.

What is your singing style in this album?

So far you have seen me doing the rap, but in this album I have sung almost 70 percent and just a little bit rap. I have taken actress Sonakshi Sinha in the video. She is looking really good in the video. I think she is the main charm of the video. I really want to thank Sonakshi for her support and being a part of this video. One of my forthcoming music videos of the album will also feature actress Urvashi Rautela.

Who has directed the video for this song?

I have composed and written the song myself, but my friend from the US Gifty has directed the video. In an effort to give the video some edge and make it of superior quality, has roped in American cops to do some chasing-the-bad guy routine which is flanked by helicopters.

For those who may not understand the video, can you tell us what it is all about?

The video opens with a wide angle shot with 'superstar' (Singh) listening to music. Dejected and frustrated, he makes a call to his girlfriend (Sinha) asking if her dad (Gulshan Grover) would agree to get them married. To his disappointment, she says no and returns to dinner. Superstar doesn't give up; he picks her up and elopes with her. You then have the cops chasing us and well …….. (Pauses) you have to see how it ends. Essentially, it's a typical Bollywood plot device, but executed with style.

So now that you have done a bit of Bollywood with a Bollywood star, is your next going to be acting in a Bollywood film? (Yo Yo Honey Singh has given a shot to acting with Himesh Reshammiya-starrer "The Xpose"),

Acting in films? Not at all. I cannot do it that is very tough. I tried, but that's not my cup of tea. I will stick to making music only.

What about being nominated for a Grammy?

I think it will be another ten years before I can think of a Grammy. I have just started singing from this album so I believe that there is a lot to learn.

Interviewed By Verus Ferreira

Photos by Verus Ferreira