Papon on Collaborating with Pritam for ‘Metro...In Dino’: “Like Brothers, Not Just Composer and Singer”
Papon on Collaborating with Pritam for ‘Metro...In Dino’: “Like Brothers, Not Just Composer and Singer”
Playback singer Papon, who has captured listeners’ hearts yet again with his latest songs from Metro...In Dino, has spoken about the unique bond he shares with music director Pritam Chakraborty. The musical duo, known for hit tracks like Jiyein Kyun, has reunited for the Anurag Basu directorial, and the results are already making waves on social media and music platforms.
In a candid conversation, Papon shared that working with Pritam is always creatively enriching, but more importantly, it's deeply personal. Their relationship, which began over a decade ago with the breakout hit Jiyein Kyun, has since grown into something far beyond a typical professional collaboration.
“We’re Like Brothers Now”: Papon Opens Up
Speaking about his evolving partnership with Pritam, Papon told IANS,
“It's been a while since Jiyein Kyun. So the relationship has grown and we've come close as families also. And musically too. So it's not just a composer and a singer now. It's like, you know, like brothers, exchanging notes about not just music, but life in general.”
He added that this strong personal connection has brought a level of comfort and creative flexibility to their sessions, allowing both to focus on expressing their art without any constraints.
“That makes it a little different that way to work together — in a more comfortable zone, more flexible — which actually gives him a lot of space for bringing out the actual art,” Papon said.
Full Circle with Metro...In Dino
For Papon, working on Metro...In Dino feels like coming full circle. Reflecting on his earlier collaboration with Anurag Basu and Pritam on the critically acclaimed film Barfi!, the singer revealed how this current project draws inspiration from those years.
“Talking about the Barfi! days, you know, when I did the movie, I sang the song ‘Barfi’. Since then Anurag Dada was saying, ‘I’ll do an album’,” Papon recalled.
He continued,
“This album (Metro...In Dino) is entirely a Ghazal album in a way — new sound, Ghazal in a new era. So all that has come together. And that's why, you know, it's like a full circle. All dots connecting.”
The songs in the film blend modern orchestration with poetic depth — a distinct sonic identity that Pritam and Papon have long been associated with. Their latest collaboration builds on that legacy, while also exploring newer, more emotional tones.
Internet Buzz and Listener Love
Metro...In Dino, a spiritual successor to 2007’s Life in a… Metro, has not just sparked nostalgia but also led to a resurgence in appreciation for soulful music. Tracks from the film have gone viral across audio platforms such as Spotify, Gaana, and Apple Music.
Twitter has especially been abuzz with reactions to Papon’s vocal performance. Fans have been praising the emotional intensity and raw honesty he brings to every line, as well as the lyrical beauty of the compositions.
“Papon’s voice feels like it’s wrapped in longing — every note aches,” tweeted one listener.
“This is the kind of music we’ve been missing. Pritam and Papon together are magic,” wrote another.
From Jiyein Kyun to Today: A Journey of Sound and Soul
The duo of Papon and Pritam first came into the limelight with Jiyein Kyun, a hauntingly beautiful track from Dum Maaro Dum (2011). The song stood out for its soulful melody and philosophical lyrics, becoming an anthem for the youth of that time grappling with existential emotions.
That song not only introduced Papon to mainstream Bollywood audiences but also laid the foundation for a deep musical camaraderie between him and Pritam.
Over the years, their collaborations have consistently showcased emotional depth and rich composition. Whether it's the understated melancholy of Barfi! or the fresh pain of Metro...In Dino, the duo’s work continues to touch a chord.
The New Sound of Ghazals
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Metro...In Dino soundtrack is its effort to bring the Ghazal form into a contemporary context. While Ghazals traditionally belong to a more classical and poetic musical lineage, Papon and Pritam have infused modern instrumentation and arrangements into the format.
“This is a Ghazal album in a new era,” Papon noted. “New sound, new texture — but with the same soul.”
This balance of old and new seems to be resonating with a wide audience, from long-time Ghazal lovers to young listeners discovering its beauty for the first time.
The Power of Musical Brotherhood
Papon’s remarks shine a light on a valuable truth in the creative industry — that genuine relationships, built on trust and mutual respect, often produce the most authentic and memorable art.
“When there’s no pressure and only respect, you sing differently,” says a music producer close to the Metro...In Dino team. “Papon and Pritam have that rare chemistry where one complements the other’s strengths.”
Their journey together, from Jiyein Kyun to Metro...In Dino, is not just a professional trajectory, but a testament to the enduring power of shared creativity, trust, and evolution as artists.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
The collaboration between Papon and Pritam in Metro...In Dino is a beautiful reminder that music isn’t just about notes and lyrics — it's about connection. As the duo continues to redefine how traditional sounds can find a new life in modern music, their creative brotherhood sets an example for how deep bonds can transform the studio into a space of magic.
With Metro...In Dino, they’ve not just composed songs — they’ve created an emotional journey that listeners are embracing wholeheartedly. As fans continue to hit replay, one thing is clear: Papon and Pritam’s synergy is timeless, and the best may still be yet to come.