Angaraag Mahanta (born November 24, 1975) was born in Nagaon, Assam, India. He is an Indian playback singer and composer. He is professionally known as Papon. Papon has made a significant mark in the music industry with his soulful renditions and diverse musical contributions. While he primarily sings in Assamese, he has also showcased his versatile talent in various other languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Marathi.
Papon's musical journey began in 1998 when he mesmerized listeners with his Assamese song "Nasaba Sokule" from the album Snigdha Junak. In 2004, he released his debut album titled "Junaki Raati," which further solidified his position as a prominent artist.
In 2006, Papon ventured into Bollywood with the enchanting track "Om Mantra" from the film "Strings - Bound by Faith," marking his entry into the Hindi film industry. His breakthrough came in 2011 with the heart-touching song "Jiyein Kyun" from the movie "Dum Maro Dum," which became a massive hit. Subsequently, Papon continued to captivate audiences with his soul-stirring melodies, including "Lakeerein" (Kya Dilli Kya Lahore, 2014), "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage" (Dum Laga Ke Haisha, 2015), and "Bulleya" (Sultan, 2016), among many others.
Apart from his solo endeavors, Papon is the founder and lead vocalist of the folk-fusion band known as Papon and The East India Company. The band, consisting of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, infuses traditional Assamese folk music with elements of electronic, metal, blues, and trip-hop genres. They have performed at prestigious events such as the SAARC Music Band Festival, the Eastwind Festival, and the Kovalam Literary Festival, leaving the audience awestruck with their mesmerizing performances.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Papon has also been associated with popular television shows. In 2013, he composed the theme song "Jajabor" for MTV Roadies X: Battle for Glory, and in 2017, he served as a judge on the reality show "The Voice India Kids."
With his melodious voice and exceptional musical talent, Papon continues to enthrall music lovers, leaving an indelible impact on the Indian music scene. His passion for blending diverse musical styles and his ability to evoke emotions through his soulful renditions have made him a beloved figure in the industry. As he embarks on new creative endeavors, music enthusiasts eagerly await the magic that Papon will undoubtedly weave through his artistry.
