Exclusive! Papon: In India, Bollywood overshadows other genres of music

After singing Yaaron with KK’s children Tamara and Nakul, playback singers Papon and Shaan have lent their voices to the anthem of the 131st edition of the Durand Cup. Paon was in Kolkata on August 16 to launch the anthem. From Kolkata, he will visit Guwahati and Imphal as the trophy will travel to these cities too. “The anthem is made in five languages — English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali and Manipuri,” he says. In a quick chat with OTTplay, Papon talks about why sports anthems are globally acclaimed but often ignored in India. He also remembers KK as he gears up for the live concert in memory of the musician on August 23.

You took part in several sports anthems in India. How is your experience?

I am always happy to be associated with sports anthems. I sang the NorthEast United FC’s official anthem in ISL. I sang one for ATK also. This year, the Durand Cup is big. The song is made in five languages and we are travelling to Guwahati and Imphal after Kolkata. I am very happy and excited about it.

Abroad, sports-related songs are often a massive hit. In India, however, it has its limited reach. Any specific reason for that?

Outside India, the medium of consuming music offers an array of different genres – country, jazz, pop, blues, and so on. In India, Bollywood is so big that it overshadows other music.

Bollywood is going through a very tricky state where many films are failing to impress at the box office. Do you think there could be an impact of this on music?

Not just Bollywood, several industries are suffering in the last few years. Since Covid, nothing really has taken off smoothly. I think it is a phase.

Do you think this ‘boycott’ culture impacts the business of films?

I am not sure. In the last few days, I have been travelling. I am not really following the news. But I understand that social media has given voice to many people. It has its good and bad sides. It is a new thing and we will need time to understand how to deal with it better.

Tell us about the recreation of KK’s song, Yaaron…

KK’s children wanted to create something in his memory and we all got together. I am very closely associated with KK’s band. They came forward. Lesle Lewis, who originally composed the song, got in touch. We plan to host a concert in his memory in Mumbai.

How did you handle KK’s sudden demise?

It was shocking for KK used to be a very strict and disciplined guy. I was constantly in touch with his band members. Shaan and I kept talking to each other to absorb the shock. We learnt the hard way to have all the necessary emergency facilities at our gigs. It is a must and we are working towards it.