From shooting to overnight fame in mid-2000s and ruling music charts to seeing a stark dip in his career owing to health-related challenges and personal life ordeals, rapper-singer Yo Yo Honey Singh’s life is like a film’s storyline. Hence, a documentary on him, titled Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, which released in December last year and traces his rise, fall and comeback, has been lauded by his fans. And, the musician, who calls himself “a true patriot”, is indebted for the love his country has showered on him.

Talking about his idea of patriotism, he says, “For me, true patriotism is living and loving your country every day and not just remembering it on important dates. It’s about respecting and representing your country across the world and glorifying its achievements.”

Ask if making patriotic songs is on his radar, and the musician, known for party anthems such as Angrezi Beat (Cocktail; 2012), Party On My Mind (Race 2) and Party All Night (Boss; both 2013), says, “I made a patriotic song called Bhagat Singh in 2008, but it flopped. It broke my heart, as nobody supported me, despite the song being on Shaheed Bhagat Singh. After that, I didn’t have the courage to make a patriotic song, but yes, I want to do it now. I will make a patriotic song soon and I hope people will support me this time.”

The rapper credits his hometown, Delhi, for instilling a sense of pride in him as an Indian: “In Delhi, I lived with people from across the country. So, that’s how I learnt the values of unity and respect for all religions. That played a huge role in making me patriotic since childhood.”

“No, it’s just that the way it’s celebrated has changed. Earlier, it used to be about watching the parade on Doordarshan. But now, it’s celebrated on social media. I find it beautiful, as you can see how everyone celebrates the day.”

“Watching the parade with the entire family on Doordarshan is my most loved memory. We used to prepare breakfast early and would have it while watching TV. That time was so amazing and innocent.”