Papon is the stage name of Angaraag Mahanta, an Indian singer, songwriter, composer, and music producer associated primarily with Assamese folk music and Hindi film playback singing. He is widely recognised for blending traditional Assamese music with contemporary genres such as electronica, fusion, and pop, and is the frontman of the band Papon and The East India Company.
| Birth name | Angaraag Mahanta |
|---|---|
| Stage name | Papon |
| Born | 1975, Guwahati, Assam |
| Origin | Assam, India |
| Genres | Assamese folk, Bihu, Borgeet, fusion, playback, electronica |
| Occupation | Singer, composer, music producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, harmonium |
| Languages performed in | Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, among others |
| Band | Papon and The East India Company |
| Parents | Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta (Assamese folk singers) |
Papon was born into a family deeply rooted in Assamese music. His father, Khagen Mahanta, was a celebrated exponent of Bihu and Borgeet, often referred to as the "Bihu Samrat", while his mother Archana Mahanta is also a noted folk vocalist. Growing up in this environment, Papon was exposed early to traditional Assamese forms including Bihu, Borgeet, Tokari Geet, and Goalporiya lokgeet.
He later moved to Delhi for higher studies, where he engaged with the city's independent music circuit. This shaped his approach of merging folk roots from the Northeast with urban sounds, leading to the formation of his band Papon and The East India Company, which features musicians playing a mix of Indian and Western instruments.
Papon's early independent work centred on reinterpreting Assamese folk traditions for younger and pan-Indian audiences. With The East India Company, he performed extensively at festivals and on the live circuit, releasing fusion compositions that incorporated Bihu rhythms, Borgeet melodies, and electronic textures.
Papon entered Hindi film playback in the early 2010s and became known for soulful, melody-driven renditions. Notable songs include "Jiyein Kyun" from Dum Maaro Dum (2011), "Kyon" from Barfi! (2012), "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage" from Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), and "Humnava" from Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015). He has also recorded songs for films in Bengali, Tamil, and Assamese.
Papon featured prominently on MTV Coke Studio India, where his renditions of Assamese folk songs such as "Boitha Maro" and "Din Bone Bone" were widely appreciated. He has also appeared as a mentor and judge on Indian music reality shows.
Beyond film and fusion work, Papon continues to release Assamese-language albums and singles, and has produced music for regional films. His efforts are often credited with bringing Assamese popular music to a wider Indian audience.
Papon's vocal style is marked by a clear, slightly nasal timbre suited to both folk modulation and modern melodic phrasing. His arrangements often combine the dotara, dhol, taal, and pepa of Assam with electric guitars, synthesisers, and programmed beats. He cites his parents, traditional Borgeet singers, and global folk-fusion artistes among his influences.
Papon is regarded as one of the most prominent contemporary musicians from Northeast India to achieve national recognition. By foregrounding Assamese language and folk forms in mainstream platforms such as Bollywood soundtracks, Coke Studio, and televised music shows, he has contributed to greater visibility for the music traditions of Assam and the wider region.
Papon is based between Mumbai and Guwahati, balancing playback assignments with independent music projects rooted in Assam. He has been involved in cultural initiatives promoting the music and heritage of the Northeast.