Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2016)

Life has come a full circle for Arijit Singh as he gears up to mentor aspiring singers on a reality show after being discovered on one over a decade ago. The 29-year-old singer has been roped in to judge the second season of the reality show, India's Raw Star, which will air on Life OK channel this time around. The show's first season was forced to introduce new mentor-judges every episode after rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh quit midway owing to health issues.

A source close to the development reveals, "It's a new show with a new concept and will have Arijit throw challenges that have more to do with singing than performing as he scouts for new talent. He will also mentor and groom the contestants to find the winner. While the team was contemplating a new name for the show, Arijit insisted that they retain the original one as he feels it resonates with him and his journey as a singer."

Digital auditions, open for both Indian and international aspirants, will be held between August 16 and September 2. Arijit, when contacted, remained unavailable for comment.

Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; December 2, 2014)

Roshni K Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; November 8, 2014)

Sonali Joshi Pitale & Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; November 4, 2014)

Yo Yo Honey Singh had been missing from his music reality show for almost a month now with other B-Town composers filling in for him. Now, it is official that the show will end without him. The singer-rapper, who pulled out of India’s Raw Star due to a back injury sustained during an overseas tour, has conveyed this decision to the channel authorities. Himesh Reshammiya replaces him on the show and would be mentoring the contestants.

A source says, “Honey had injured his head and back during a tour over a month ago. After getting stitches, he was advised complete rest. As a result, he had to leave the tour midway and return home. He has not been shooting for the show for the past four weeks. He kept informing the channel authorities that he will resume the shoot on November 3 but just couple of days ago he has communicated to them that he will be unable to be present on the show.”

All about Honey
Though Honey had been recommending names of his fellow singers and composers to appear on the show on his behalf, the channel authorities find his absence ‘absurd’ and ‘ironical’ as he had promoted it as “my first reality show”. A unit member says, “The channel had been promoting Honey before the show went on air. He was given all liberties in making decisions and was allowed to shoot as per his convenience. Besides, we would a keep a doctor on the sets only for him. Now our entire show is headed for trouble because it was promoted as Honey Singh’s show and he had said he will create another Honey Singh, courtesy India’s Raw Stars.”

There are four more episodes to go before curtains come down on the reality show. Another source says, “Himesh had come on the show last week as a guest since Honey had suggested his name. In fact, Himesh was hoping for Honey to recover fast and resume the show. However, this week onwards, we will shoot with Himesh, who will guide the contestants.” Ashish Golwalkar, senior vice president (Programming), Star India remained unavailable for comment.

Honey in bitter fight?
If sources are to be believed, Honey has gone underground following a violent tiff with an actor. Reportedly, the two had a minor argument that snowballed into a nasty fight with the actor holding Honey Singh by his collar and slapping him. The incident apparently left Honey in a state of shock. “So, for the time being, he has decided to stay away from all public appearances. That is why he is not doing India’s Raw Stars and has also cancelled all his shows till December. He is not likely to be back in action at least until early next year,” the source adds.

Honey, however, denied the buzz about a brawl with the actor. “I am home because of my back injury. There has been no fight,” he says.