Papon blends ghazal, Bollywood and Lennon at his Mumbai concert

Mumbai witnessed a rare, genre-defying musical evening on Saturday as singer-composer Papon took the stage for Shaam-e-Mehfil, delivering a concert that moved seamlessly from classical ghazals to Bollywood chartbusters, and even a surprise tribute to John Lennon. The evening unfolded like a carefully woven tapestry. Papon began with his signature ghazal renditions, easing the audience into a mood of nostalgia and poetry before gradually building toward contemporary Bollywood favourites. “Ghazals are timeless, and I bring a modern interpretation to them. Who would've thought there would be drums and trombone at a ghazal mehfil!?” he said with a smile. The show featured stirring renditions of Benaam Si Khwaayishein, Niyat-e-Shauq Bhar Na Jaye, Ahista Ahista, Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo, Kal Chaudhvin Ki Raat Thi, Aap Ki Ankhon Mein Kuch, Ek Akela Is Shahar Mein, Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho, Rafta Rafta Woh Meri and many others. Each piece was delivered with restraint and reverence, yet layered with subtle contemporary arrangements that made them feel fresh without diluting their soul. Papon made it a point to credit every writer-poet, composer and original singer before presenting his own interpretation, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the audience. The mood shifted effortlessly as he moved into Bollywood hits that have defined his playback career with Moh Moh Ke Dhaage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Kaun Mera from Special 26, Kyon from Barfi!, Bulleya from Sultan, and tracks from Metro… In Dino including Qayde Se and Zamaana Lage. Each number was greeted with loud cheers, many in the audience singing along word for word. One of the evening’s most unexpected highlights came when Papon broke into John Lennon’s Imagine. The hall erupted in applause, the audience rising in spontaneous appreciation as the timeless anthem found new resonance in his textured, emotive voice. If the music held the audience rapt, Papon’s easy camaraderie kept the atmosphere intimate. Between songs, his comic timing lit up the hall. At one point, he drew laughter with playful sher-shayari, confessing sheepishly, “I found this sher on Instagram!” In another memorable moment, he had hundreds of attendees sing the entire sargam with him, perfectly in tune, turning the concert into a participatory celebration rather than a one-sided performance. Reflecting on the city’s musical appetite, Papon said, “Mumbai is undoubtedly one of the best cities for embracing a mix of genres in a single night. For an artist like me, who weaves different styles together, it’s the perfect audience.” PAPON SET LIST: