Father’s Day 2024: I’ve learnt patience and perseverance from my father, says ‘Papa Meri Jaan’ lyricist Raj Shekhar

The song ‘

Papa Meri Jaan

’ from the film, ‘Animal’, penned by lyricist

Raj Shekhar

expresses the love he feels for his father, Chandra Shekhar Azad. In a heartfelt tribute to his father on Father’s Day, Raj celebrates the occasion with the song ‘Papa Meri Jaan’, which captures the essence of the father-child relationship.
Raj shares, “This song is very close to my heart.

It reflects my journey with my father – the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, and the unbreakable connection we share. ‘Papa Meri Jaan’ is more than just a song; it’s a message to all the fathers out there who are the unsung heroes in their children’s lives.”
Ask him about his plans for Father’s Day this year, and he replies, “I will host a special listening session with my father and other family members, followed by a small gathering where I will perform the song live for the first time.”
Speaking about his equation with his father, the lyricist says, “My relationship with my dad is similar to many Indian father-son relationships, characterised by respect, authority, and a bit of fear. However, what truly defines our bond is the love between us -- a love that’s often unspoken but deeply understood. Small gestures, like him meticulously packing my bag whenever I visit my native place, bring us closer. He ensures everything is perfectly in order and makes it a point to speak to me almost every day. He is an educated farmer with a deep fondness for animals. Recently, he has learnt to use a mobile phone, which now occupies much of his time. When he’s not on his phone, he stays busy farming vegetables and caring for his animals.”

Raj describes his father as his biggest critic. He says, “He is extremely honest with his feedback on my work. I’ve learnt the importance of patience and perseverance from him. He has taught me to work hard with complete honesty and to patiently wait for the right moment.”