Papon Unveils His Heartfelt Valentine's Day Playlist and Love Philosophy
In an exclusive conversation during his recent visit to Lucknow, celebrated playback singer and composer Papon opened up about the essence of love, romance, and the timeless power of music. Known for soul-stirring Bollywood tracks like Bulleya and Kyon, Papon believes that love permeates every aspect of life, from the rustling of trees to the flight of a butterfly and the changing seasons.
The Universal Language of Love and Music
Papon reflects that romance extends beyond personal relationships, embracing the beauty of the world around us. "I find everything very romantic, like the season, the trees, flowers, butterflies. Romance is a bigger thing than just with a person," he shares. This holistic view informs his understanding of love as an acceptance of totality, including flaws and limitations.
When discussing why music remains the perfect medium for expressing love, Papon gets philosophical. "Music is vibration. Everything in the world is vibration; even thought is a vibration," he explains. He notes that sound frequencies can scientifically trigger emotional responses, making music a powerful tool to convey feelings that words alone cannot capture.
Papon's Curated Valentine's Day Playlist
To mark Valentine's Day, Papon curated a playlist of romantic songs that have deeply resonated with him over the years. He emphasizes that the marriage of poetry and melody, sung with honesty, makes these tracks timeless. His selections include:
- Hum Aapki Aankhon Mein – "The best romantic duet ever in writing and singing."
- Unforgettable by Nat King Cole – A classic with beautiful music and mood.
- Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton – Praised for its beautiful imagery.
- La Vie en Rose by Louis Armstrong – Transports listeners to a dream world.
- Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas – Brings peace and holds personal memories with his wife Shweta.
- Kaun Mera – His personal favorite, described as the most honest and beautiful song he has sung.
- Phagunare Pasuwa Baa – His first original composition, with unbelievable poetry and imagery.
The Evolution of Romance and Art's Role
Papon observes that his understanding of love has evolved from the intense, blind passion of youth to a more holistic appreciation of its totality. "Love is not just the intensity, but the bigger picture of beauty beyond looks or sound," he reflects.
On the role of art and cinema in society, Papon explains that movies reflect contemporary values. "Earlier, Jagjit Singh sang about Chaudhvin Ka Chand with a slow burn; society was like that, so songs were written accordingly," he says. He notes that films must cater to current trends to maintain connection, while art reminds us of enduring love and values.
The Mystery of the Ideal Love Song
When asked to define an ideal love song, Papon highlights the importance of mystery. "I would keep mystery in the song: the mystery of how you look, how you feel, how you smell. That sense of the unknown makes it timeless," he smiles. This element of the unspoken and imagined is what he believes allows a song to linger long after the music stops.
Through his insights and playlist, Papon offers a profound exploration of love's many dimensions, celebrating it as a universal force that inspires both art and life.
