While the Filmfare Punjabi Awards 2025 is done and dusted, the ceremony was marred with plethora of controversies. Filmfare Punjabi Awards took place in Mohali on August 23, 2025. The event took place just 1 day after the death of Punjabi actor & comedian Jaswinder Bhalla. It had sparked a major controversy and demands were raised to postpone the ceremony.
However, the absence of rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh from Filmfare Punjabi Awards 2025 raised many eyebrows. The organizers of the show infact had promoted the show mentioning that Yo Yo Honey Singh will not only attend the show but also perform in it.
BookMyShow had also featured Yo Yo Honey Singh in their list of performers. However, the Punjabi rapper did not attend the show. Many wondered, Honey Singh might have not attended the show due to the death of Jaswinder Bhalla. However, reports suggest that the real reason is something else.
DNA cited India Today report that stated that Honey Singh did not attend the show due to security.
The report stated that the organisers had their security arrangement along with the Punjab police, but Honey Singh insisted on getting his own security team. The organisers agreed to his terms, but couldn't implement his request at the last moment. Thus, he had to cancel the performance at the last moment, and he rushed out of the venue.
A source was quoted saying, "As per the protocols, they did not allow any other external members on the ground for anyone. However, Honey Singh was persistent in getting his own safety unit as a precautionary measure. While the organisers understood and respected his demands, given the overall security plans, they could not agree to it. After a long discussion with the organisers, the musician left the venue, refusing to perform."
Notably, the rapper is yet to issue his official statement.
When the singers participating in the show were known, Punjabi and Bollywood singer Jasbir Jassi was the first to oppose it. After this, many people started opposing Honey Singh. This was the first time that apart from social workers, singers were also opposing Honey Singh.
Jasbir Singh Jassi had posted on his social media account X that how can a man who talks about intoxicating the races of Punjab do a show in Punjab.
Jassi also wrote that we oppose the show of a man who pushed our races into intoxication and made them remember even the brands of alcohol. He also appealed to the people to oppose the show. He also asked the CM to intervene in this.
In this case, Professor Rao had given a complaint to the DGP of Punjab. It was said that many of Honey Singh's songs promote alcohol, drugs and gun culture. Not only this, songs insulting women are also present on YouTube. Punjab Women Commission has sent a notice to Honey Singh for using obscene language. Honey Singh has not appeared before the commission till date.
At the same time, the commission had also asked the police to give a report in this matter. It was also said that if he performs in the show, he will not sing his obscene and women insulting songs.