Lyricist Prashant Pandey, who recently struck an emotional chord with “O Sajni Re” from Laapataa Ladies, is now drawing attention for a very different kind of love song — “Priyatama” from the Zee TV show
Lakshmi Niwas. Quiet, tender, and steeped in lived-in romance, the song stands out precisely because it resists melodrama. For Pandey, the track became an exercise in restraint, emotional honesty, and faith in simplicity — amplified immeasurably by Sonu Nigam’s voice.
“Sonu Nigam Gave My Lyrics A New Life”
For Pandey, hearing Priyatama sung by Sonu Nigam was nothing short of surreal. The lyricist admits the moment carried a deeply personal resonance.
“I have been an admirer of Sonu ji since childhood, and while I once dreamed of singing in front of him on a reality show, writing eventually became my true calling. Hearing my lyrics in his voice felt like a blessing—he brought a rare emotional depth and honesty to the song, adding layers far beyond the written words.”
According to Pandey, Sonu Nigam didn’t just perform the song — he inhabited it. The phrasing, the pauses, and the emotional shading elevated the lyrics into something far richer than what was on the page.
Writing Love Beyond Youth
What makes Priyatama unusual is its emotional context. The song is rooted in the relationship of two characters in their sixties — a rarity in mainstream television music. Pandey says that was the emotional spine of his writing.
“The song was rooted in the relationship between the two central characters. They are both around sixty, yet their love feels as fresh as that of new lovebirds, unable to spend even a moment apart.”
Instead of nostalgia or sentimentality, Pandey focused on continuity — love that has endured time without losing tenderness, “That sense of long-term togetherness—where love has matured but the desire for closeness remains alive—became the soul of the song.”
Keeping the show’s family audience in mind, he chose familiarity over flourish, “I chose emotions that felt familiar, comforting, and genuine, and kept the lyrics simple, focusing on the joy of growing old together.”
Writing For Television: Serving The Story First
Pandey is clear that writing for television demands a different discipline than films. The immediacy of the medium leaves little room for indulgence.
“The process began with a clear brief from the makers and the production team. Instead of consciously writing for the audience, my focus was on serving the narrative, characters, and visuals.”
For Lakshmi Niwas, the lyrics had to align seamlessly with what unfolded on screen, “Television demands an immediate emotional connection, so I allowed the lyrics to flow naturally with what unfolded on screen, ensuring warmth and emotional clarity.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the contrasting worlds of Laapataa Ladies and Lakshmi Niwas, Pandey sees a common thread in his work — emotion that feels earned rather than imposed, “Going forward, I want to work on projects that allow emotionally honest storytelling through lyrics, regardless of the format.”
He is particularly drawn to music that does more than decorate a scene, “What excites me most is music that’s integral to the story—where songs reveal a character’s inner world or move the narrative forward.”
Pandey also hopes to expand creatively, “I’m keen to experiment with diverse genres, newer voices, and formats that challenge me creatively while valuing authentic emotion and collaboration.”
In Priyatama, that philosophy is already evident — a song that doesn’t shout for attention, but lingers quietly, carried by mature love, gentle words, and a voice that knows exactly when to hold back.
