Papon

Singer-songwriter Angaraag Mahanta aka Papon is one of the most important folk-fusion artists in India, modernising and popularising Assamese music with his band as well as utilising diverse influences in songwriting and composition. • Papon was born to Khagen and Archana Mahanta, established folk singers who performed and preserved Bihu songs indigenous to Assam. He started out as backup vocalist on many of his parents’ recordings. • Growing up on folk music, Pink Floyd and ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, he channelled these diverse influences into his own sound and solo albums such as Jonaki Raati and Sinaaki Osinaaki. • In 2007, he created Papon and the East India Company, a live band that creates a playful blend of folk-fusion and pop-rock. • Papon landed his first Bollywood credit when he made “Sanja Banware Mere” with Midival Punditz for the 2004 movie Let’s Enjoy. • His sublimely tender performance on “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” for veteran composer Anu Malik’s Dum Laga Ke Haisha soundtrack became a breakout hit. He was named Best Male Playback at the Screen Awards in 2016. • In addition to solo albums and film work, Papon has found like-minded collaborators in Asian Underground mavericks such as Karsh Kale (2016’s “Snowflake”).