In an emotional and unexpected gesture, rapper and music producer Yo Yo Honey Singh has paid a deeply personal tribute to the legendary A.R. Rahman by getting a tattoo in his honor. Known for his larger-than-life persona and powerful performances, Honey Singh showed a softer, more reverent side as he shared a video of himself getting inked this time, not for style, but for sentiment.
On his Instagram, Honey Singh posted a heartfelt clip that immediately caught the attention of fans and the music industry alike. In the video, the 42-year-old rapper is seen sitting calmly as a tattoo artist works on his back, etching the name of none other than A.R. Rahman on his right shoulder blade. While being tattooed, Singh sings Rahman’s soulful classic “Tu Hi Re” from the movie Bombay, a song that, like many of Rahman’s compositions, has stood the test of time and become a cornerstone of Indian music.
“This is for my love for the lovely legend Mr. A.R. Rahman. I love you, sir,” Honey Singh says in the video. “Thank you for blessing me with your music. You are the reason why I am a musician today. I love you forever.”
The gesture isn’t just about admiration; it’s about gratitude. Sharing the video, he captioned it, “My third tattoo in one night for my lovely living legend @arrahman sir!! I love you, sir. Thank you for everything.” The message wasn’t just emotional but deeply symbolic; marking Rahman’s name permanently on his body signifies the indelible mark the maestro has left on his musical journey.
A Fan First, Always
Honey Singh, who has long ruled the Indian pop and hip-hop scene with chartbusters like Brown Rang, Desi Kalakaar, and High Heels, has always been vocal about his admiration for A.R. Rahman. While their musical genres differ, Singh being a symbol of desi hip-hop and party anthems and Rahman being the soul of Indian film music, spirituality, and experimentation, Honey Singh has never shied away from calling Rahman his biggest inspiration.
Over the years, Singh has publicly expressed his dream of working with Rahman. In interviews, he has revealed that collaborating with the Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer would be a milestone in his career, something he believes could even lead to a Grammy-worthy track. “It would be a dream come true to produce something timeless with Rahman sir,” Singh has said in the past.
Teri Yaadein & The Comeback
This tribute comes at a pivotal moment in Honey Singh’s career. Recently, he released Teri Yaadein, a visually striking music video featuring actress Nargis Fakhri and Moroccan singer Grini. The song, heavy with nostalgia and yearning, is from Singh’s new album, Glory. The album is a major comeback for him, not only as an artist but also as a complete music producer.
Glory is a multilingual album, featuring songs in 10 languages, a thematic choice consistent with Rahman’s own passion for cross-cultural collaborations. Singh’s musical evolution in Glory demonstrates greater maturity and range than in his previous works, establishing him as more than a mere “party king” of Indian music.
A Tattoo With A Story
Although tattoos are usually regarded as a fashion statement, with this one Honey Singh is saying something about influence, respect, and passion. In an industry where rivalries and egos are the order of the day, the act of showing such a gesture of respect to another musician and someone from a completely different musical sphere is unusual and welcome.
This is not Singh’s first tattoo, however. He has several tattoos with symbols that represent his professional and personal life. But this one, he revealed, was his third tattoo in a single night, making the moment even more intense and meaningful.
A Moment for Indian Music
Honey Singh’s tribute to A.R. Rahman has resonated widely not just with his fans but with music lovers across generations. It’s a reminder of how Rahman’s music transcends genres and how deeply it continues to influence artists of all kinds, from classical performers to commercial hitmakers like Honey Singh.
In an era where social media buzz often overshadows genuine admiration, this moment stands out as one rooted in real emotion. Whether or not the dream collaboration ever happens, Yo Yo Honey Singh’s tattoo will remain a powerful symbol of respect, legacy, and the unifying power of music.
And as Honey Singh sings Tu Hi Re with Rahman’s name etched on his skin, it’s clear that this tribute is more than ink deep; it’s heart deep.