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According to Papon, Rohan Sippy met him after his performance in Mumbai, and later, Pritam called him to offer the breakthrough song.
Jiyein Kyun is from the film Dum Maaro Dum. (Photo Credit: X)
It was the song Jiyein Kyun from Dum Maaro Dum that catapulted Papon to fame. Composed by Pritam and written by Jaideep Sahni, the emotional track opened doors to numerous opportunities, establishing him as one of the most sought-after singers in the industry. Reflecting on the pivotal role of the melancholic tune in his career, Papon recently shared in an interview that music maestro Pritam offered him the song after being impressed by his independent Assamese album, Jonaki Raati.
Talking to Hindustan Times, Papon admitted, “Jiyein Kyun was my first big break in Bollywood. Technically, the first song I sang in Bollywood was Sajana from Let’s Enjoy (2004), but Jiyein Kyun changed everything for me.”
The singer mentioned that Bollywood was never his priority before Jiyein Kyun came his way. Looking back, Papon recalled that he was offered the song after a performance in Mumbai. He shared that director Rohan Sippy approached him after the show, and music composer Pritam called him to appreciate his talent before offering him the breakthrough track that would define his career.
As the conversation progressed, Papon also shared how Jiyein Kyun challenged the industry’s vocal norms at the time of its release. Unlike other playback singers, Papon’s earthy tone stood out, making it difficult for others to place his voice against the typical Bollywood hero sound, which was often more polished and conventional.
Papon continued, “Back then, everyone was singing high. I was the only newcomer who sang that low. I actually recorded it seven semitones lower than it was originally composed by Pritam da, and that distinct depth became both a unique strength and, initially, a challenge as well. It was difficult to place a voice like mine against the typical Bollywood hero.”
The depth of the song struck a chord with the audience, eventually becoming an anthem for lovers introspecting after heartbreak. Concluding, Papon expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Pritam and Rohan Sippy for the opportunity. He remarked, “It’s one of my absolute favourites to sing live. I sincerely thank Pritam Da and Rohan Sippy for trusting my voice.”
The Assamese singer has many hits, including Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), Kyon (Barfi!), Humnava (Hamari Adhuri Kahani) and Bulleya (Sultan) to his credit.
