Papon is the stage name of the Indian singer and composer Angaraag Mahanta. He started learning music as a child and grew up in a musically rich environment thanks to his parents, the legendary Assamese musicians Archana and Khagen Mahanta.
His diverse skills and training show in the variety of music he has produced since his debut album “Jonaki Raati” (2004). In addition to his early training in Indian classical, devotional and folk singing, he has also learnt to play several musical instruments including the guitar and the khol He followed up “Jonaaki Raati” with a number of folk albums, including “Dhulir Akakh” and “Phoolseng”, and brought about renewed interest in Assamese folk music amongst the youth.
He is the leader of the electronic-folk, fusion band “Papon and the East India Company” formed in 2007. He has been featured on critically-acclaimed TV programs like MTV’s Coke Studio and The Dewarists on Star World India.
His released his debut Hindi album “The Story So Far” in 2012.
While he debuted in Bollywood in 2004 with “Sajna” (“Lets Enjoy”), it was really in 20011 when the Hindi film audience warmed up to him with songs like “Jiyein Kyun” (“Dum Maaro Dum”, 2011), “Zindagi Aisi Waisi” (“I Am Kalam”, 2011), “Banao” and “Naina Laagey” (“Soundtrack”, 2011).
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