Bipolar phase of Honey Singh was difficult: Vinnil Markan

Mumbai: Director Vinnil Markan of Yo Yo Honey Singh's upcoming film "Zorawar" says the phase when the rapper-actor was battling with bipolar disorder was an extremely difficult one.

Singh recently opened up about his 18-month battle with bipolar disorder where he was in house in Noida. Vinnil, however, adds even though the "High Heels" singer was going through a difficult time, he never gave up.

"The entire phase of bipolar disorder was very difficult for Honey but he did not give up. He was focused on getting up and coming back to do what he loves even during those times. I had visited him at his home and I am very happy he is back," Vinnil told PTI.

During Singh's absence from the music scene, there were rumours that he was apparently in a rehab. The director says even he was flooded with queries from people about his whereabouts as a celebrity's life is under scrutiny.

"If somebody is a celebrity, rumours will always be there. Many people used to ask me where is he, I just used to say he is ok and you will see him soon... Even Deepika Padukone had opened up about how she fought with depression. What happened with Honey was something, which was not in his control. It was a clinical issue. But he still came and shot two days of fight sequence left in the film. I think now fans have repaid him by embracing him back," he added.

The singer-composer started his journey in the music industry over a decade ago with the hit single, "Glassy", whose video saw Singh making his maiden on-screen appearance. Interestingly, the video was directed by Vinnil.

Now, the duo is ready with the upcoming Punjabi action-drama "Zorawar", which will mark the debut of Singh in a lead role. "Honey was on board the film right after the first narration. This will be the first time he will be seen doing action and he has done all the stunts himself. I knew he can do it because he is athletic. There was no apprehension at all from his side," he said.

Vinnil says it was important for him to make the film on a large scale and hence found it a little difficult at times.

"We shot in Punjab, South Africa and London. I didn't want it to be just another normal simple movie. So at times it was difficult but it all went pretty well."

The film also stars Gurbani Judge, popularly known as VJ Bani, Parul Gulati and Pawan Malhotra. "Zorawar" releases on May 6.