Honey Singh calls Gulzar's 'Beedi' misogynistic—asks 'Why I'm only target'
Renowned singer-rapper Honey Singh has defended himself against accusations of objectifying women in his songs. In an interview with The Times of India, he cited examples from veteran lyricist Gulzar's songs like Beedi and Namak Ishq Ka from the film Omkara (2006). He questioned why these songs do not face similar criticism. "I don't give a s_t, but I think I should answer this," he said.
'This is misogynistic for me'
Singh, known for hits like Brown Rang and Desi Kalakar, expressed frustration over being singled out for criticism while Gulzar is hailed as a "legend." He said, "Gulzar sahab wrote,'Beedi jalaile jigar se piya, jigar mein badi aag hai.' Jigar kahan hota hai aurat ka (where is the chest)? This is misogynistic for me. 'Zuban pe laga namak ishq ka,' why is he talking about the tongue of a woman..."
'Why am I the only one who is wrong?'
Singh further questioned, "Sirf main hi kyun galat hoon? Main pehle bolta nahi tha, aaj bol raha hoon yeh baatein. Main pehle jawab nahi deta tha toh log kehte the 'easy target hai, issi ke baare mein bolo' (Why am I wrong only? I didn't say before, I'm saying now. I never replied, so people said he is an easy target, let's talk about him)." He also disagreed with claims that his songs objectify women.
Singh's comparison of his songs with older controversial tracks
Singh also drew comparisons between his music and older controversial songs. He stated, "Earlier, what kind of songs were made? Still, they were considered songs. I don't talk about controversial songs such as Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai. But why is Honey Singh abused while they are called legends? We are getting modernized but thinking backward."
Singh's career and recent work
Singh has been instrumental in popularizing Punjabi music globally and making it a sensation in Bollywood. Despite his success, his lyrics have often been criticized as objectionable and misogynistic. After a hiatus from 2014 to 2021 due to mental health issues and drug problems, he is back in the spotlight. However, his latest albums are receiving only lukewarm responses. Currently, he is promoting his new album Glory and awaiting the release of a Netflix documentary based on his life.
