Angaraag Mahanta, known by his stage name Papon, is an Indian singer, songwriter, composer and music producer from Assam. He performs in Assamese, Hindi and several other Indian languages, and is associated with both Assamese folk traditions and contemporary Bollywood playback singing. He is the lead vocalist of the band Papon and The East India Company.
Key facts
| Birth name | Angaraag Mahanta |
|---|---|
| Stage name | Papon |
| Origin | Guwahati, Assam, India |
| Genres | Assamese folk, Bihu, Borgeet, fusion, playback, indie |
| Languages | Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, and others |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, harmonium, dotara |
| Band | Papon and The East India Company |
| Parents | Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta (both noted Assamese folk singers) |
Background
Papon was born into a musical family in Assam. His father, Khagen Mahanta, was a celebrated exponent of Assamese folk music, often referred to as a "Bihu Samrat", and his mother, Archana Mahanta, is also a respected folk singer. Growing up in this environment, Papon was exposed to Assamese folk forms such as Bihu, Borgeet, Tokari Geet, Goalporiya lokageet and Zikir from an early age.
He studied in Guwahati before moving to New Delhi for higher education, where he became active in the independent music circuit. His early performances combined traditional Assamese vocal styles with contemporary instrumentation, which became a defining feature of his later work.
Career
Independent music and the East India Company
Papon formed Papon and The East India Company, a fusion band that draws on folk traditions of the North East, Sufi influences, and electronic and rock textures. The band became one of the better-known acts in the Indian indie circuit and performed at major festivals across the country.
Albums and projects associated with him in the independent space include the band's release The Story So Far, and a long-running series of folk-based recordings in Assamese, including renditions of Borgeet and Bihu compositions. He has also released collaborative works for digital platforms such as MTV's Coke Studio and MTV Unplugged.
Playback singing
Papon is an established playback singer in Hindi cinema. Notable songs include:
- "Jiyein Kyun" from Dum Maaro Dum (2011)
- "Kyon" from Barfi! (2012)
- "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage" from Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)
- "Bulleya" (reprise) and other tracks across mainstream Hindi releases
- "Humnava" from Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015)
- "Kaun Mera" from Special 26 (2013)
He has also sung in regional film industries, including Tamil and Bengali cinema, and has composed music for Assamese films and non-film projects.
Television
Papon has appeared as a coach and mentor on Indian television music shows, including The Voice India and its junior edition on &TV, where he worked alongside other prominent music directors and singers.
Style and significance
Papon is widely credited with bringing Assamese folk and North-Eastern musical sensibilities to a national audience. His vocal style is noted for its open-throated folk delivery combined with a softer, intimate tone suited to film ballads. By performing Borgeet, Bihu and Goalporiya songs on national stages and digital platforms, he has contributed to wider awareness of Assamese musical heritage outside the region.
He is also active as an entrepreneur and curator in the live music space, having been involved in festivals and platforms that promote independent and folk artists from the North East.
Personal life
Papon is based primarily in Mumbai for his film and recording work, while maintaining strong artistic ties with Assam. He continues to perform live across India and internationally, both with his band and as a solo artist.