King of soulful music Papon’s recent tracks in the hit film Metro In Dino have struck a deep emotional chord with listeners — and more importantly, they reaffirm his long-standing love for ghazals. With songs like Yaad, Hote Tak, Qayde Se – Film Version, Das Haasil Sau Baaki, and Mausam – Mood Shift, Papon has delivered melodies layered with emotion, poetry, and classical sensitivity — elements that are central to the essence of a ghazal.
‘Qayde Se’ and ‘Yaad’ especially carry the depth and structure of traditional ghazals, presented with a modern sensibility. Composed by Pritam and penned by Sayeed Quadri, these songs highlight Papon’s ability to lend intimacy and meaning to every word and note — making it clear that ghazals aren’t just a genre he visits occasionally, but a form he inhabits fully.
But this is not new territory for Papon. Even before Metro In Dino, he had been performing ghazals on live stages through his exclusive concert series Shaam-E-Mehfil with Papon. These shows have allowed him to explore the poetry and depth of ghazals while bringing a fresh musical treatment to them. His presence at Jashn-e-Rekhta, one of the most prestigious Urdu literary festivals, further showcased his command over this nuanced style of music, with performances that left the audience moved and mesmerised.
Following the widespread appreciation of his songs in Metro In Dino, excitement is building for Papon’s upcoming ghazal album. While official details are still under wraps, fans are already looking forward to what promises to be a heartfelt and musically rich project. Given his instinctive understanding of poetry, melody, and mood, expectations are high — and if his recent work is any indication, this album might just redefine how ghazals are experienced by a new generation.