Coke and MTV put up a dazzling show at Sharda University campus on Nov. 13, 2013, for what everyone calls the “Coke Studio Megacerts”. The atmosphere was brilliant with a young crowd. At this Megacert or Concert, Papon and Salim-Sulaiman were to perform live.

As you entered the Concert grounds, the crowds were buzzing in anticipation of the arrival of their music stars – Papon and Salim-Sulaiman. And the stage was set up with dazzling lights and state-of-the-art musical equipment. The stage was set with a black, white and red backdrop akin to Coke Studios logo. There was arrangement for snacks and Coke was flowing. Security arrangements were great, very safe for the girls.

Coke also had a fun activity lined up – ‘Picture Perfect Happiness’ – on the grounds for all the fans. You could get yourself clicked and have your pic printed on a Coke can. So fun!

We didn’t have to wait for too long and Papon was on stage. In flesh… Wow!

As Papon and band struck a chord, we knew were going to be on a musical roller coaster for however long Papon da pleased, as his fans sometimes endearingly call him.

Papon had the audience humming as he sang his famous tracks Jiye Kyun from Dum Maro Dum, followed by Tauba from Coke Studio and Roadies theme song Jajabor.

Did we ever hear “Music is food for the soul”. Yeah! And Papon made that come true once again. No words can ever explain how one felt to be right there.

Banao banao was great to hear on stage. Papon sang Kyon from Barfi, to which the crowds were roaring and singing along.

Kyon Naa Hum-Tum
Chale Tedhe-Medhe Se Raston Pe Nange Paanv Re
Chal Bhatak Le Na Baawre
Kyun Na Hum Tum
Phire Jaake Almast Pehchaani Raahon Ke Pare
Inn Timtimati Nigaahon Mein
Inn Chamchamati Adaaon Mein
Luke Huey, Chhupe Huey
Hain Kya Khayaal Baawre….

And then the violin… Oooooh!

Before starting the track Jiye kyon – from Dum Maro Dum, he told everyone “Music is so powerful”, a fan killed himself after listening to Jiye Kyon. Huh! Sad but true. That’s the power of music.

Papon brought to life quite a few Assamese numbers one of which was – Dinae Dinae and another was a Radha Krishna song. The singer kept everyone entertained with his quips and anecdotes in between the songs. Very obviously in love with his Assamese roots, Papon had his fans doing Assamese folk dance steps in the audience.

In between, Papon never missed telling everyone how unhappy he was about having the VIP class keeping his real crowd away from him. And in some time, even VIP seats were responding with plenty of shouting, waving and singing along. Well done, Papon da!

After enthralling the audience and giving them a night they are never forgetting, Papon said adieu.

Then, Salim – Sulaiman took the crowds by storm with Ankha de katore from Band baja baraat. Then came Ashayein. After which Salim-Sulaiman spun some more magic with Namaste, with Punjabi lyrics by Desh Raj Lachchani and group and Hindi lyrics by the super-energetic Sharddha Pandit. The song was a hit at the concert. Salim-Sulaiman had the crowds swaying and swooning to this number. This song is a sound Salim-Sulaiman are best recognized for amongst their fans.

Then, Salim – Sulaiman sang Kare Man Bhajan on a sombre note. This song is Ustad Sultan Khan’s song and is actually like a homage from them to Khan saab. Tranquillizing. Bismillah was another devotional track sung by them. Shukran Allah and Kurbaan hua from Kurbaan.

Then came Rudine Rangili. This track seemed what they call a secret weapon from Salim-Sulaiman’s set on this season of Coke Studio@MTV. Taking a complete no-holds-barred approach to this Gujarati folk song, featuring the super energetic vocals of Karsan Sagthia, the composition starts out on a high note with a powerful vocal line and only progresses to push things completely over the edge with a rock rendition. One thing is for sure – you have never heard a track like this. Then was Ishq wala Love from Student of the year.

Indian Idol winner Vipul Mehta also performed. Artists were many but Mantra was only one. “Stay Raw and Stay Tuned”.