“Soulful Music Has No Age”: Papon On Gen Z’s Connection With ‘Mehfilz With Papon’

Singer and composer Papon is witnessing a growing connection between Gen Z audiences and ghazals through his musical project, Mehfilz with Papon. The initiative brings the traditional mehfil experience to an intimate musical setting, placing poetry, melody and emotion at the centre of the performance.

For Papon, the response from younger listeners reinforces the idea that soulful music can transcend generations. The project seeks to introduce a new audience to ghazals while retaining the emotional depth and lyrical richness that have defined the genre for decades.

Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Papon expressed gratitude for the response to the project, particularly from younger listeners discovering ghazals alongside longtime admirers.

“I feel truly grateful for the love and response to ‘Mehfilz with Papon’. It makes me especially happy to see Gen Z discovering ghazals alongside listeners who have loved this music for years. It reminds me that soulful music has no age or generation; it simply needs to touch your heart. Through Mehfilz, I hope to continue celebrating this timeless tradition and creating meaningful musical experiences for everyone,” he said.

Unlike conventional concert formats, Mehfilz with Papon draws inspiration from traditional musical gatherings, creating an intimate environment where audiences can engage more closely with the lyrics, compositions and emotions behind each performance.

The project's appeal among younger listeners highlights how traditional musical forms can find renewed relevance when presented in formats that encourage deeper engagement. Rather than limiting ghazals to audiences familiar with the genre, the initiative seeks to make their poetic storytelling accessible to a wider generation of listeners.

The response also reflects the enduring role of emotion in music consumption. While listening habits and musical formats continue to evolve, the ability of a composition to resonate with listeners remains central to its appeal.

With Mehfilz with Papon, the singer is bringing together audiences across age groups through a shared appreciation for melody and poetry, demonstrating how a traditional genre can continue to evolve while preserving its essence.