Showing posts with label Papon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Papon. Show all posts
Zubeen Garg’s loss is big...an irreplaceable voice-Papon
9:23 AM
Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; September 21, 2025)
Papon had known Zubeen Garg for 30 years. Papon was in first year of college when he met the already established Zubeen in Assam. With the passing away of one of the biggest stars of Assam, Papon tries to put his feelings into words as he says, “I still don’t know what to say…it is one of the biggest losses for the Assamese community across the world.”
‘I CAN’T BELIEVE HE IS GONE’
It will take time to process it. The moment I heard it, I was in disbelief… you know, he had gone through this (seizures) two-three times earlier as well, so I thought he would come out of it this time as well. I made some calls, then I just switched off the phone because I knew my phone would flood with messages and calls and that would take me away from what I was feeling.
It’s just so hard to accept that someone you’ve known for 30 years, from just after your teenage days, someone you’ve spent so many evenings with, laughed with, hung out with… suddenly he’s gone. You sit and these memories start coming back. Delhi days, … staying in that tiny house with friends, and Zubeen would come and stay with me, and we’d hang out, do all the little things boys do. I’d push and pull him awake in the mornings and make breakfast for him. And now all of that is flashing in front of me.
‘While he was an established star, he also was a proud friend’
My parents were established figures in the music industry. I discovered myself in Delhi, away from the pressure of being the son of such celebrated parents.
I think I met him for the first time when I was in my first year of college. He was a young star, his career started very young. When I was at the studios with my parents for their recording, he would be there, and he would come to greet my parents. Slowly we became friends and then he would call me at the studio he would hang out mostly. It was like his adda.
This was probably 1997-1998, and he would ask me to sing low (notes) and boast to people about me and my singing style. While he was an established star, he also was a proud friend. We created songs together… Even now when we used to meet, we would mostly talk about light stuff, we wouldn’t discuss life or philosophy. We both would just laugh. We would meet seldom now but whenever we would meet, it was like the old times, same energy. Once when we met, he said we should do a TV interview together, that would be fun. Reh gaya hai bas woh .
‘I want to go for the last rites’
I might fly soon. I don’t want to meet too many people; I just want to be there... He was one in a million. He was born special; he lived life on his own terms. He lived like a king, and that is rare today.
‘We can’t imagine another voice like his in Assam’
Musically, he has left a big void. He has sung thousands and thousands of songs. His voice was everywhere in Assam. Voices like his are not there anymore. Bigger than life. Big picture, which carries the emotions of so many. These are voices which define a period in life. As of now we can’t imagine another voice like his in Assam.
Jiyein Kyun changed everything-Papon
9:15 AM
As the song completes 13 years, Papon looks back at the track that changed his life
Samarth Goyal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 6, 2025)
When Jiyein Kyun from Dum Maaro Dum released in 2011, it didn’t just serve as a melancholic interlude in a crime thriller — it marked a turning point in Papon’s career. The track, which turns 14 this year, composed by Pritam and penned by Jaideep Sahni, introduced Bollywood to a new kind of voice: introspective, earthy and unmistakably real.
“Jiyein Kyun was my first big break in Bollywood,” the Assamese singer recalls. “Technically, I sang Sajana for Let’s Enjoy back in 2004, but this song changed everything for me.” At the time, Bollywood wasn’t even on Papon’s radar. “I had no plans from childhood to be in Bollywood,” he says.
“I was performing in Mumbai when Rohan Sippy heard me and asked if I’d like to sing for a film. Soon after, Pritam Da called me — he had heard my Assamese album Jonaki Raati and liked it. That’s how Jiyein Kyun happened.”
But it wasn’t just the opportunity — it was the sound that set the song apart. In an industry where soaring, high-pitched vocals were the norm, Papon’s grounded tone made listeners pause and feel.
“Back then, everyone was singing high,” he shares. “I was the only newcomer who sang that low. I actually recorded the song seven semitones below the original composition. That became my strength — but also a challenge. It wasn’t easy to place a voice like mine against the typical Bollywood hero.”
Yet, that very depth made Jiyein Kyun unforgettable. “I think people connected with the rawness of it. Over the years, it’s become something of an anthem — for quiet heartbreaks, for reflection,” says the 49-year-old.
After meeting Pankaj Udhas, aapko shaq hone lagta tha ki koi aadmi itna accha kaise ho sakta hai-Vishal Bhardwaj
8:37 AM
(L-R) Vishal Bhardwaj, Sudeep Banerji, Talat Aziz, Papon, Rekha Bhardwaj and Anup Jalota
Renowned singers who are a part of Pankaj Udhas’s musical dream, the annual two-day concert Khazana Festival in the city, remember the legend and talk about taking his legacy ahead
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2024)
It’s been around five months since Pankaj Udhas’s demise, and while his friends miss him deeply, they are eager to carry forward his musical legacy. The ghazal singer’s initiative, the annual two-day concert Khazana Festival, which helps raise funds for cancer and thalassemia patients, will take place on July 26 and 27 in Mumbai. For the last four months, the team, including Udhas’s daughters Nayaab and Reva, have been gearing up for the 23rd edition of this event.
On Wednesday afternoon, BT got an exclusive preview of the show, as we captured the musicians - Vishal Bhardwaj, Sudeep Banerji, Talat Aziz, Papon, Rekha Bhardwaj, Anup Jalota and Kavita Seth jamming during their rehearsal.
The concert this year is a tribute to our friend: Talat Aziz
Talat reminisced, “Back in 2001, we (Pankaj, Anup Jalota and I) were sitting in his study, and that’s where it all began. There are so many fond memories. We toured and did concerts in India and abroad for years. We would conclude most of our shows together. Pankaj would call Anup and me on stage after his performance, and together, we would sing Ghungroo Toot Gaye. The concert this year is a tribute to our friend.”
We will miss him tremendously on the stage: Anup Jalota
Another founding member, Anup Jalota, also Udhas’s close friend, says that the void Pankaj has left cannot be described. “Khazana without Pankaj Udhas is going to be like a soulless body because his vision and total involvement were unparalleled. We will sing some of his most beautiful ghazals, including Deewaron Se Milkar Rona, Dard Ki Barish Sahi Maddham Zara Aahista Chal, Chitthi Aai Hai, Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera and others,” said Jalota.
Koi aadmi itna accha kaise ho sakta hai: Vishal Bhardwaj
Vishal Bhardwaj says, “I used to be an A&R (artists and repertoire) Manager at a recording company, and Pankaj’s brother Manhar Udhas used to sing there. I would go to his home in the capacity of an A&R Manager. Unko itni zyada tehzeeb thi, itni zyada humanity and humility thi, woh kamaal ki thi. He’d treat me as if I was the owner of the company. He was such a good human being ki aapko shaq hone lagta tha ki koi aadmi itna accha kaise ho sakta hai. But after two or three meetings, I realized he was genuinely like that.”
He adds, “All of us came together got this festival just for one person - Pankaj Udhas. Aisa lag raha hai ki woh ab bhi yahan par hain.”
We are celebrating his music, legacy and dreams: Rekha Bhardwaj
Rekha, who knew Udhas for a very long time, remembers, “Every year, the festival would go on until the wee hours, and once, he went on stage at around 2.45 a.m. He noticed that I had stayed back to just listen to him. He mentioned that and recited one sher, especially for me. That was such an honour, and that’s how he would make people feel special. I will always carry this memory in my heart.”
Pankaj ji had asked me to compose the theme song for Khazana: Sudeep Banerji
Sudeep Banerji, who has been an integral part of the festival for almost a decade, shared, “We were in the 15th year when Pankaj ji asked me to compose the theme song for Khazana. He gave me the entire responsibility, and it was a huge thing for me. I used to compose a lot for him, and not many people know that I also composed Pankaj ji’s last song, which is still unreleased. It was his dream to take the legacy of ghazals forward, and this year will be one of the biggest Khazana festivals ever.”
He began a fantastic legacy that has kept ghazal singing alive all these years: Kavita Seth
“Artiste toh bahut log hotein hain, but Pankaj ji kamaal ke insaan thhe. He began a fantastic legacy that has kept ghazal singing alive all these years. Few artistes are able to achieve this kind of love and devotion," said Kavita Seth.
It’s not even six months that he is gone, and everyone has come together for the festival with so much love: Papon
“We always do a medley in Khazana and last year we paid a tribute to Bhupinder Singh ji. I sat next to Pankaj Ji that evening and sang ‘Ek Akela Iss Shahar Mein’. This year’s medley will be for him and I’ll miss sitting next to him. Its not even six months that he is gone, and everyone has come together for the festival with so much love. This is the first year without him and we all want to take his legacy further ahead.”
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Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 26, 2024)
Khazana - a Festival of Ghazals has been celebrating the genre for 23 years. A brainchild of music legends Talat Aziz, Anup Jalota and late Pankaj Udhas, the festival, alongside offering a platform to new talent, also works towards charitable causes such as raising funds for thalassemia and cancer survivors. This year, the theme of the two-day event is to celebrate the legacy of Udhas, who passed away in February.
While the artiste lineup for day one (today) features Aziz, Rekha Bhardwaj and Vishal Bhardwaj, Sudeep Banerji and Ananya Wadkar, day two will see Hariharan, Papon, Anup Jalota and Kavita Seth take the stage.
Aziz says, “This Khazana would be different because one of the main founders (Udhas) is no longer with us. But, as they say, the show must go on. I will perform my popular ghazals, including one of Pankaj’s favourites, Kaise Sukoon Paoon.”
Jalota adds, “Many of Pankaj’s ghazals will be sung by the singers, who have performed at the festival over the last 23 years. I don’t know which song to sing. I will plan when I get on stage. But, I’ll surely sing Chitthi Ayi Hai (Udhas’s ghazal from the 1993 film Naam) as a tribute to Pankaj.”
Banerji says it will be tough for him, “emotionally”. He explains, “Pankaj ji was the pillar and guiding force of the festival. He always treated me like a younger brother and always encouraged and appreciated by work. As he always wanted original compositions to be performed at the event, I would be singing some of my own compositions.”
Catch it live
What: Khazana - A Festival Of Ghazals
When: July 26 and 27
Where: Trident Hotel, Nariman Point
Timing: 7 pm onwards
I don’t perform at weddings as music is not priority there-Papon
8:38 AM
The singer says he only likes to perform for an audience that’s focused on music
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 24, 2024)
After a recent disagreement between singers Abhijeet Bhattacharya and Neha Kakkar on a reality show over singers performing at weddings, a lot of musicians shared their views on the same. While most of them saw no harm in performing at weddings, some had a different view. Singer Papon, who does live shows and corporate events, says he doesn’t perform at weddings.
“People go to weddings for a different purpose. The idea is to have fun, meet people, enjoy with them, have food, etc. Music is not the focus there. Hence, I don’t perform at weddings. I like to sing for an audience that treats music as their priority, be it a concert or baithak,” says the singer, who will perform at a concert in Mumbai tomorrow.
While live shows give a lot of creative satisfaction to artistes, they can be very demanding and exhausting too. Of late, there have been instances of unruly audience manhandling musicians, be it hurling a water bottle on stage at a recent Sunidhi Chauhan show or last year’s instances of Sonu Nigam and Kailash Kher being troubled by the attendees.
On audiences manhandling musicians during live shows, Papon says, “Of course it hurts, because people forget that the performer on stage is a human being too. But, I’ve always received so much love from the audience that even if one person ever misbehaved, I let such one-off instances pass, because the purpose of being an artiste is greater than such unpleasant incidents. Being a musician and being able to spread so much joy and happiness is a bigger cause for me.”
On the work front, Papon has a lot of music coming up, including a ghazal album. “As musicians, we know how to make music but releasing it is a task. I am sitting on a lot of film and non-film songs that I’d release soon,” he ends.
The singer says he only likes to sing for an audience that’s focused on music
Catch it live
What: Papon Live In Concert
Where: Infiniti Mall, Malad (W)
When: May 25
Timing: 7.30 pm
Satish Kaushik’s birth anniversary was all about music and memories
8:45 AM
Satish Kaushik’s friends from the film fraternity came together to celebrate his birth anniversary
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2023)
On March 9, actor and filmmaker Satish Kaushik passed away in Gurugram, after reportedly suffering a heart attack. His friends and colleagues from the film industry who remember him as ‘a great artiste and a greater human being’ are still reeling from the shock of his sudden demise.
On April 13, his close friend of many years, Anupam Kher, hosted a musical event to commemorate his birth anniversary. The event was attended by several celebrities who have shared a long association with the late actor. Guests included Subhash Ghai, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Anil Kapoor, Chunky Panday, Poonam Dhillon, Rani Mukerji, Neena Gupta, Nadira Babbar, Vivek Agnihotri, Sonali Bendre, Johny Lever, Talat Aziz, Lalit Pandit, Udit Narayan, Shankar Mahadevan, and Papon.
At the event, there were musical performances interspersed by moments where his friends shared heartwarming memories of him. During Aditi Singh Sharma’s rendition of Hawa Hawai (Mr India), Anil Kapoor came on stage, shook a leg and paid a tribute to his dear friend.
The event wrapped up on a highly emotional note when Satish’s wife Shashi and daughter Vanshika came on stage to cut a cake and they were joined by others. Vanshika also read a posthumously addressed letter to her father, which deeply moved everyone. Satish Kaushik would have turned 67 on April 13.
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Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 15, 2023)
With memories, love, music and laughter, late actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik’s birth anniversary on Thursday, April 13, was an emotional yet wholesome celebration. A musical night was organised in his memory by his friend of four decades, actor Anupam Kher, with Satish’s daughter, Vanshika Kaushik, and wife, Shashi Kaushik, in attendance. While singer Armaan Malik sang Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, which Anupam said was “Satish’s favourite song that he would hum all the time”, singer Papon sang Moh Moh Ke Dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha; 2015).
Singers Udit Narayan Jha and Sadhana Sargam belted out their classic number Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar; 1991). Ghazal singer Talat Aziz and composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan sang the title track of Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).
Vanshika reading aloud a letter she wrote to her father was the most emotional part of the evening, and a cake-cutting ceremony came next. A part of the letter read, “Hello Papa, I know that now you are no more but I want you to know that I will always be there for you. If I knew this was going to happen, I would miss school just to spend time with you. I wish I could have hugged you once.”
Another highlight was Satish’s close friend Anil Kapoor breaking into an impromptu dance on stage to Hawa Hawaii, a song from Mr India (1987), which co-starred him and Satish. Actor Shabana Azmi and her husband, lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar, spoke about their association with Satish and left the audience in splits with funny anecdotes. The one thing no person forgot to mention was the late actor’s smile and his positive attitude at all times.
Anupam told ANI, “Initially, I’d thought not to do it (the celebration). But around 4-5 days ago, Satish came in my dream and said, ‘Yaar, tu mere liye kuch nahin kar raha hai kya?’ So I decided to celebrate his life today.”
I attended Cannes Film Festival as the cultural ambassador of Assam-Papon
8:16 AM
Papon, who was invited as a cultural ambassador of Assam at the Cannes, was representing the state’s culture and cinema at India Pavilion
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; June 7, 2022)
Papon, who attended the 75th Cannes Film Festival recently, says he was proud to discuss his upcoming films and to promote filming in Assam. Talking to us, Papon says that in recent years, Assamese filmmakers have been making films on unconventional subjects in modest budget and these films are not just being praised in the country but at international film festivals, too. He says, “I attended Cannes Film Festival as the cultural ambassador of Assam. I was asked by the Ministry of Culture to represent the state’s culture and the country at India Pavilion.”
‘NOW, FILMMAKERS WANT TO SHOOT MORE FILMS IN ASSAM’
Papon, who has also ventured into filmmaking and has been working on two films from the last four years, stresses on the need for more stories, shoots in Assam. He says, “These films are still work-in-progress and are being directed by my friend Parasher Baruah. These films will showcase Assamese heritage, culture and nature. Filmmakers at Cannes, who saw the teaser, were quite impressed with locations and said that it looked like ‘an interesting palette of unexplored beauty’. And that they would love to come and shoot their film in Assam, too.”
At the festival, Papon was part of a discussion to promote filming in Assam. On the topic, he says, “In recent years, the number of film shoots in Assam has gone up. Not just Indian but international projects have also come to the state, and films and web series have been shot here. We discussed the state film policy that has been updated to encourage filmmakers to come and shoot in Assam.”
‘ASSAMESE FILMS TRAVEL BEYOND THE STATE AND GARNER APPRECIATION WORLDWIDE’
This year, Boomba Ride was among those five films that I&B Ministry had selected for a screening at Cannes. Papon says that Assamese cinema has undergone a transformation in recent years. He says, “Assamese films have been able to travel beyond the boundaries of the state and have garnered appreciation worldwide. Films such as Boomba Ride to Village Rockstars are encouraging young filmmakers, who are already making very interesting cinema in Assam. Assamese cinema history is very interesting. For instance, films made on a tight budget such as Local Utpat have done well in theatres.”
Talking about his learnings from the Cannes Film Festival, he said, “It is all about networking and understanding how the exchange of cinema happens across different parts of the world. The important thing is to reach out to international producers or filmmakers and promote your film. This doesn’t happen over night, it takes a lot of effort and Cannes is a great place to meet the film community to understand how and why some films make it there.
Every year, we dread the fact that there will be floods in Assam and we prepare to overcome them-Papon
8:41 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 29, 2022)
Singer Papon was at the 75th Cannes Film Festival, representing northeast India, and stressed about the floods back home in Assam at the same time. Connecting with us from France, he shares that the destruction caused is “very disturbing”.
“We’ve been experiencing floods since childhood. This happens every year. So every year, we dread the fact that there will be floods and we prepare to overcome them,” says the 46-year-old, adding that his family is stuck, too. “While I’m in France, my family is in Assam, dealing with the water that has flooded our house,” he tells us.
While the Yeh Hausle (83; 2021) singer grapples with the personal crisis, representing the country on a global level is something he feels deeply about. Papon says, “This year, India being the Country of Honour at the Cannes is an opportunity through which the Indian government is aggressively making efforts to get a foothold, and understand its space, in world cinema. I was invited to represent Assam, be the bridge to exchange ideas, and more importantly, to try and bring film tourism to Assam. It was an honour to be asked to represent the state and the country at Cannes.”
It wasn’t only music though, that he got to talk about at the event, as he shares that he is producing two films over the past four years. “Both are in progress, but the teasers of my films were presented at the Indian Pavilion. I got a lot of encouragement from the people who saw the footage. I am weaving the films with music and representing the heritage, culture, fabrics and beliefs of the land. One movie is called The Mystical Brahmaputra - A Musical Story and the other is called Land of Sacred Beats,” he shares.
Pallavi Joshi to host an indoor live music concert to collect funds for Covid-19 relief
8:00 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 29, 2021)
The entertainment industry has gathered again to do their bit for Coronavirus relief. While several have donated their time, money and social media space to the cause, Pallavi Joshi is set to host an indoor live music concert to collect funds. “Whenever the country has faced trials, we, as a society, have stepped up to help each other,” says the actor, who will be hosting singers Sonu Nigam, Talat Aziz, Pankaj Udhas, Hariharan, Prasoon Joshi, Alka Yagnik, Papon, Daler Mehandi, Babul Supriyo, among others for the music event called Ek Saath-India Will Rise Again, on June 5.
In the face of tragedy, Joshi asserts that the film industry has always come forward to help people. “When I was a kid, I remember actors — Sunil Dutt, Balraj Sahni, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor — everyone had take rallies on streets to collect money to help drought-affected villages. The second wave has been devastating and we want to help orphans, daily-wage workers, women widowed, migrants, refugees and everyone who has lost their means to livelihood [during the pandemic].”
I don’t sing songs which I don’t feel connected to-Papon
8:06 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 27, 2020)
This year has changed many lives in ways good and bad, be it the lockdown, staycations, job losses or work from home. But singer Papon is confused about “what is going on with the virus”. He says, “The Coronavirus pandemic has shaken us, pushed us to rethink life. Everyone dealing with a financial crisis will have to improvise, rethink in a good way and stay positive. We will have to learn to fine-tune our lives.”
Papon is enjoying doing household chores, which he says he “missed”, and is experiencing the village life with his kids. “I want my kids to know nature up close so we have been fishing, gardening, and going on walks,” says the singer, who has been in a Goan village for three weeks and plans to stay there for the next three months.
“I think there is a shift happening in the universe and there are many predictions about the future. It’s been weird. What I am focused on is stuff around me, so I feel good and make good music, that will radiate good energy and have a ripple effect. To each his own, just do good and feel good,” muses the 45-year-old.
While Bollywood has been in the eye of several controversies, around nepotism and insiders vs outsiders, the music industry hasn’t been too far behind. Several musicians were accused of buying social media followers. “I have never been into numbers. ‘Numbers of views determine if your song is good or not’, is something I don’t understand,” Papon says, adding, “I wish we were back in the world of tapes and cassettes, instead of YouTube views.”
The singer feels a musician should be connected to their music. “I am scared to sing some numbers as I don’t sing songs I don’t feel connected to. Moreover, I have a unique voice, I take time to do stuff and can’t keep singing lots of songs. I feel there is a design for everyone in this world and you should work towards it to make it more powerful. I am happy with all the love and respect I get,” he adds.
Jo log sau saal mein nahi kar paate, Irrfan Khan ne pachaas saal mein kar diya-Papon
8:22 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 13, 2020)
Everyone who knew Irrfan Khan, has only words of praise for him. And it’s no different for Papon. The singer, who knew him for almost two decades, says the news of the actor’s demise was hard on him. Irrfan, 54, passed away on April 29. Papon shared a video in which Irrfan lauds the singer’s talent.
“I knew him since our Delhi days, around 2002-03. He’d often come to my house. After he shifted to Mumbai, we were in touch over phone, and when I came to Mumbai, we’d often bump into each other. Things were good till he fell ill. We were in touch and he would ask my recommendations for songs, while undergoing his treatment in London,” recalls Papon, who worked with Irrfan in Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017) and Karwaan (2018).
Praising Irrfan, Papon, 44, says, “Jo log sau saal mein nahi kar paate, unhone pachaas saal mein kar diya. The entire world mourned his loss. When I first met him, he was vulnerable and inquisitive. Two decades later, he was still the same. He never changed,” says Papon, who is trying to stay positive during these times by doing online concerts to raise funds. “It’s not easy to stop negative thoughts. But how we focus on positives is up to us,” he says.
The singer is enjoying time with family. “My children (Puhor, 10, and Parijaat, 8) have learnt household chores. The best thing is that they are learning the piano so quickly,” adds Papon.
Sonu Nigam brings together 100 artistes from across India for a song
9:13 AM
Sonu Nigam brings together 100 artistes from across India for an acapella piece that cuts across languages, to raise funds for PM-CARES
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 4, 2020)
Despite the sealed borders keeping him from returning home to India, Sonu Nigam has been neck-deep in work, supporting causes for daily-wagers, and raising awareness for relief funds for the country. It's been a month since Nigam, who is currently holed up in Dubai, began the cumbersome task of breathing life into a passion-project, the brainchild of his industry associate Srinivas. Along with Indian Singers Rights Association CEO Sanjay Tandon, the duo reached out to 100 artistes from across India for the creation of the 14-language track, One nation one voice, which is set to be unveiled by Lata Mangeshkar.
"We had been struggling to find a Sindhi [singer], and that's when we reached out to Ghanshyam Vaswani. Though disconnected from mainstream [music], he has been a ghazal singer for decades. My mother was proficient in Sindhi. So Ghanshyam ji and I collaborated for those portions. Similarly, Papon [worked on] the Assamese [verses], Bhajan Sopori ji and Kailash Kher did the Kashmiri track, Mame Khan crafted Rajasthani [verses] and Krishna [Beura], the Odia portions," Nigam tells mid-day of the song that also includes lines in Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and Tamil.
The coalescing of an assortment of home-bound artistes for a single track becomes simpler when employing a digitally transferable background score that they can individually lay their vocals on. But Nigam was creating an acapella piece, which didn't have instruments to play second fiddle in supporting his endeavour.
"We sent two songs to all the singers. One [included] the base track that had been created by [a select few], and included sounds, layers and harmonies. No instruments were used to create this, and it was upon this piece that the singers [recorded their vocals]. We also gave them a reference piece of how we wanted the song to sound, but offered an empty space [for them to experiment]." Those singers who do not have a home-studio had to let the acapella piece play in the background as they recorded their vocals over it, he informs.
There's a peculiar cheer in his voice when he talks of Asha Bhosle's involvement in this number. "With her being by our side, this project has become invaluable. At 86, she has opened this song like a boss. You find yourself wondering how someone at that age can sing so beautifully. I was reduced to tears on hearing her 30-second performance."
Papon to hold online music concert for Bihu
8:10 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; April 14, 2020)
Along with states like Bengal and Kerala, Assam, too, is marking the beginning of a New Year today. Bihu, as the Assamese New Year is called, is the state’s biggest festival, celebrated over seven days. Popular singer Papon is conducting a three-day special online concert to celebrate the occasion.
He told BT, “The first three days of Bihu are dedicated to cows, humans and Gods. The remaining four days are for dancers and musicians, who go door-to-door, performing the local folk art. My father, Khagen Mahanta, is known as the Bihu Samrat (King of Bihu) in Assam. It was he who transported Bihu from the fields and courtyards to the stage.”
Speaking about his social media concert, he added, “People are not happy, given the current situation. I feel something like this might uplift their spirit and brighten their lives for a while. I will perform for two hours each on all three days. My friends from Bollywood will join in as well. The concert will also be interactive.”
Papon concluded by saying, “In Assam, the spread of the Coronavirus is not as bad as it is in Mumbai and Delhi, but through this online concert, I want to urge people to stay at home, without losing out on celebrating the festival.”
Papon cancels Delhi show over trouble in his home state Assam
7:38 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (December 14, 2019)
Papon pulled out of a music show in Delhi recently, saying he would not be able to entertain fans when his home state Assam was “burning, crying and under curfew” over the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Parliament. The singer, best known for songs such as Moh Moh Ke Dhaage and Jiyein Kyun, was scheduled to perform in the capital on Friday.
Papon also apologised to his fans on Twitter for the lastminute cancellation, saying he would not be able to cater to the audience in this disturbed state of mind.
“Dear Delhi, I am very sorry but I have decided not to do the concert as planned! My home state Assam is burning, crying and under curfew! I won’t be able to entertain you the way I should in my present state of mind,” the singer said.
Papon, whose real name is Angaraag Mahanta, said the state has been burdened with “illegal immigration” for decades and the people of Assam need to heard properly.
“It’s painful to see the way Assam is burning! Humanity is suffering! Assam has been burdened with illegal immigration for decades! We don’t deserve this! The diverse, complex mix of the Assamese culture and people and their existence needs to be understood! We need to be heard properly (sic),” he wrote.
The singer hoped the organisers of the event will honour the sales of the sold tickets at some other point of time. “I know this is unfair on you as you had bought tickets and planned long ahead. I am sure the organisers will take care of that in someway and as promised I’ll see you all on another day in future! I hope you will understand,” Papon added.
Assam has been witnessing unrest in the wake of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by Parliament on Wednesday. The proposed amendments seek to grant citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan facing persecution there. Guwahati, the epicentre of anti-CAB protests, was placed under indefinite curfew on Wednesday night while the Army was called in at four places.
We are not judges, but coaches. I can’t speak about the future-Papon
9:56 AM
Love for home is keeping him away from Mumbai, not controversy, says the singer
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; September 9, 2018)
After what happened on The Voice Kids, would you consider being judge on a reality show again?
I am not sure. I was approached for others shows like that one, but I took this one up because I liked the format of a children’s show. We are not judges, but coaches. I can’t speak about the future.
There were reports of you being kept out of performing at Bihu celebrations in Assam after the controversy.
Really? Where did you hear that? We get calls for Bihu shows till the end of the season. It was our decision to not participate this year since we had committed to another project outside Assam, around the same time. It was communicated to the organisers last December.
Are you spending more time in Assam for a reason?
It has always been like this. I get half a chance and I fly to Assam. I am planning a couple of special projects that will need me to make more trips there in the near future. I have also been busy in the studio, redesigning the sound for my next indie set of songs. I am looking at a more global perspective.
How was the experience of singing Baba Bolta Hain Bas Ho Gaya in Sanju?
It takes a dig at the media, which is powerful and can be misused by some. Rajkumar Hirani always sends a social message via his films. It was tough to sound different from myself but when I saw the hard work Ranbir [Kapoor] had put in to become Sanjay Dutt, it inspired me to give my best. Ranbir had quite a few dialogues in the song and it was recorded after a long hectic day of shoot.
After lying low post the 'child molestation' incident, Papon is back and is all over the place
9:52 AM
As Papon well and truly puts a child molestation charge behind him to tour and make music, the industry calls #metoo a media preoccupation
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; September 9, 2018)
Last Friday, Angarag Mahanta, popularly known to his fans as Papon, tweeted about his latest song from the Richa Chadda-starrer Ishqeria. He has both, sung and composed Toofani Hawa. A day prior, he spoke of headlining Chandigarh's Lager n Barrel Festival, and thanked organisers for the vibe at the Chalo India Convention in New Jersey, a three-day event hosted by The Association of Indian Americans in North America. Last month saw him heap praise on the team of veteran composer Anu Malik and writer Varun Grover, with whom he had earlier collaborated on the hit track Moh Moh Ke Dhaage in 2015. The trio is back with Chaav Laga, from Varun Dhawan/Anushka Sharma-starrer Sui Dhaaga. "So much love coming our way for this song," he wrote about the track that has enjoyed 11 million views, since it released a week ago.
Malik, with whom he also worked in the Qarib Qarib Singlle track, Daana Paani, refused to speak and his manager suggested we reach out to Papon himself. An abrupt break in the singer's Twitter timeline after February 24 until he resurfaced in June to discuss Qasam Kha Li from Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, speaks of why Malik prefers to distance himself from the discussion.
Papon posted a picture from the Chalo India convention he played at in New Jersey, on his social media handles. Pic/Instagram
After a video surfaced online showing Papon kissing a minor female contestant of a reality singing show on which he was judge, Supreme Court lawyer Runa Bhuyan filed a sexual assault complaint against the singer. Following a media blitzkrieg, Papon shared a lengthy post where he argued, "to show affection for an 11 year old child who I have been mentoring for a while is not an alien concept for me…However this is not to say I haven't made a mistake… I am sorry for that." A day later, he announced that he was stepping down as judge and disappeared from social media.
When Ye Tishnagi, a song from the film III Smoking Barrels, a story set in the North East, released last month, observors said it was Papon's comeback from the doldrums. Speaking to a news website, the film's writer-director Sanjib Dey said, "We got Papon to sing the song because he is not just an extremely talented singer but also because he connects with the North East as much as the rest of the country. It was a great experience collaborating with him."
A talent manager from a leading record label insists that it's Papon who decided to lie low. "He is actually one of the smartest music directors around, that's why people like working with him. He understands indie and commercial needs and operates accordingly. He gives you what you want." A friend who has known him since his early days in Delhi agrees. "He sees it [the incident] as water under the bridge, and doesn't want to come across as a sob story."
But his 'comeback' may have in fact, happened earlier in June when he performed at a music festival back home in Assam, his first gig after the controversy broke. An organiser, who didn't wish to be identified, said that she saw a different person. "He came across as mellow. He was of course, excited about the performance. It was as if he felt that if he performed here and was accepted, people would forget what had happened."
A grab from the controversial video
The organiser team was prepared for the worst, and was expecting protests. "But a surprise lay in store. Fans from all over the North East turned up after travelling in buses and trains overnight. They had Papon tattoos and T-shirts on. The energy was immense and the show was fantastic. They were sentimental about seeing him perform after so long." Fan pages like Papon Army (7,590 followers) and Papon Universe (9,564 followers) actively supported the festival and pushed for attendance on their forums.
"So many of us from the industry couldn't believe he did it, although the video was before us and we had watched it repeatedly. He is one of the nicest people around, and sure, he may have made a mistake, but most of us feel he didn't intend to do it," said a live sound engineer, who has known Papon personally and toured with him. He says there was talk of the singer having lost a few film songs and tours right after the controversy. "If he did five gigs before, he may be doing one now."
But a popular young singer, who has had his fair share of hits last year, says that the industry doesn't care for ethics. "It's ruthless here. I have given some big hits in the last year, but the recognition hasn't been all that much. It's because I don't network. But Papon, that guy is influential. I have met six different people, all of whom claim he is their best friend. He has built some strong relationships, and whether you get work depends on it. It [the sexual assault case] may have dented his personal confidence, but, it has not affected the work he gets."
And that brings us to the age-old question — can you separate the artiste from the person? How many of us stopped watching Woody Allen films after his adopted daughter accused him of sexual exploitation, or dropped House of Cards when Kevin Spacey was accused by 15 men of sexual misconduct? A popular music director-singer says, "Papon is a genius. Of that, there is no doubt."
Toofani Hawa from Ishqeria, has been sung and composed by Papon
An accomplished music writer explains it in detail, "He's definitely a pioneer in the Indian folk-fusion music scene and one of the brightest stars to have consistently put out quality work in the field even after branching into Bollywood. His fame has dimmed after the incident but only slightly." Nirmika Singh, Executive Editor, Rolling Stone, said that if she was asked to be on a panel with, or moderate a discussion that involved Papon, she would turn it down.
"In India, we are so star-struck by celebrities that we ignore criminality. We worship anybody and everybody seen on a big stage, big screen or TV, and think they can do no wrong," says the singer-songwriter, who once said in an interview that she would love to write lyrics for Papon. "But I can't say that now. In music, the student-mentor relationship is considered sacred. If a mentor is found guilty of sexual harassment, or if there's compelling evidence that suggests criminality, he/she should be subjected to the harshest punishment by law and also boycotted from the fraternity. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. And that crushes my faith in the music industry."
Tarsame Mittal, founder of TM Talent Management, the firm that organised the All About Music conference in Mumbai last month, told us, "it's only the media that's asking these questions". "Isn't it the case in court? Aren't you innocent until proven guilty? I have known Papon for long and like him, I am from Guwahati. The subject of discussion at the conference was non-filmy music. It was right up his alley, and honestly, we didn't even think about the controversy when we invited him."
A poster for Lager n Beer festivalPapon kissing row: Singer dropped from reality show after incident with minor
10:17 AM
As a video of singer Angarag Mahanta forcefully kissing an under-aged participant goes viral, channel cracks the whip even as singer maintains it was a harmless act
Mohar Basu, Letty M Abraham, Shunashir Sen, Hemal Ashar and Anurag Kamble (MID-DAY; February 24, 2018)
Hours after a video of Bollywood singer Angarag Mahanta, aka Papon, kissing a minor contestant from reality show The Voice Kids surfaced online, top brass of &TV (the channel that airs the show) had a three-hour meeting to decide the singer's fate as a judge on the show.
mid-day has learnt that the singer will be missing from the shoot of the show's next episode, scheduled for early next week. A source close to Papon revealed, "Only two episodes of the season are left to be shot. Papon will be skipping the shoot slated for Tuesday and Wednesday. They are supposed to film the season finale over the two days. Even if he hasn't been fired, in light of the incident, he'd want to excuse himself from the show."
Papon says sorry
The Assamese singer found himself in the midst of a controversy when a video uploaded on his official Facebook page saw him kissing a minor contestant, as the team celebrated Holi. Terming the act "inappropriate", Supreme Court lawyer Runa Bhuyan filed a complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights against the singer under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act.
While his lawyer Gaurang Kanth said on a TV channel that Papon "only gave a peck" and it was "his way of showing affection", Papon issued a statement saying it was "a case of faulty camera angles, and an accidental move, not a sexual assault".
Stating that he was "an extremely affectionate and expressive person", Papon further said, "To show affection for an 11-year-old child, who I have been mentoring for a while now, is not an alien concept for me. Please do remember that it's a video on my own Facebook Live, and stop for a moment and wonder why I would myself promote a video where I am 'apparently' doing all the unmentionable things that I am being accused of... However, this is not to say that I haven't made a mistake. I might have done it spontaneously, but in today's environment, to touch a girl child, however innocent your thoughts are, is not advisable. I am sorry for that."
Guidelines flouted?
The girl's parents refused to lodge a complaint against him, and instead issued a statement that said the singer is "a mentor and a father figure to my daughter, and has always encouraged her to pursue her dreams... What you saw in the video is not intentional. It was just a moment of affection that is being portrayed otherwise". The incident comes to light at a time when there has been an intense debate about reality shows featuring children. Not too long ago, director Shoojit Sircar had expressed his reservations and called for a ban on kids' reality shows.
While National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had revised its guidelines in 2011 to prevent exploitation of children, the channel and production house here appeared to be flouting the guidelines - the contestants were with the singer inside his vanity van, without any supervision. The guidelines state that staff must ensure they "avoid physical contact with children and young people except for reasons of health and safety, or under supervision".
When accused of flouting the laws pertaining to working with kids, the channel claimed to have always "adhered to the NCPCR guidelines". Its statement read, "Our production house, Essel Vision Productions Limited, has taken all precautionary measures required under NCPCR and other laws. We believe in nurturing talent with utmost sensitivity and care while we provide them the platform to showcase their aptitude. As a responsible channel, we are extending complete support to all parties who are impacted by this incident and will stand by them to help them through this situation."
Industry reactions
A musician, friend of Papon
'Papon is a nice guy. But is also the sort of guy who falls on people unwittingly and doesn't know his boundaries. If he has indeed kissed the girl on the lips, then there is something wrong. Also, his reaction to the video being filmed makes it seem weird. But if the girl's father has released a statement exonerating him, that, I think, should be the end of it'
Father of another contestant
'Let me tell you guys about Papon. I have never seen such a lovely and down-to-earth person as him in this field. My daughter respects and loves him... he is her inspiration. When she learnt about this, she had tears in her eyes and said all this [allegation] was rubbish. She said, "dad, my upbringing is such that I can make out good [touch] and bad [touch], and I have always got good vibes from Papon sir". His love for our kids is parental. I request all citizens to stop all this'
Amole Gupte, filmmaker
'My crew has always been given strict instructions not to go near kids without reason. When on set, the kids are my responsibility. I haven't watched the video and neither do I wish to, but I can tell you that people need to weigh how they show their affection towards kids. Aapka bachcha nahin hai, aur agar ho bhi toh you don't have to maul them to show how much you love them. People should be more refined while dealing with children'
Anurag Basu, judge on Super Dancer
'I still need to read up on this incident. As far as being a judge on children's reality show is considered, the channel and production house always make sure that someone from the family is always present with the kids [on the set]. This is my third show and I have never seen a child without their parent or legal guardian on the set'
Merzi Pestonji, mentor on Dance India Dance Li'l Masters
'I cannot comment as I've not seen the video yet. But there has never been a situation where the children are on the set without their parents or guardians. [In terms of interacting with the kids], everyone knows where the limit ends. We have judged dance shows for sometime now, so we know where to draw the line'
Pravin Ghuge, chairperson, MSCPCR
'A very serious issue has been brought to light through this video... The national commission has already asked us for details in the case. State commission too will take serious cognisance of the incident. After collecting primary information, we will decide the further course of action.'
'Our notice stands'
NCPCR chairperson Stuti Kacker said, "Statements may be issued by different people now, but we have to move within the ambit of the legal framework. We will be setting up an inquiry and have sent notices to Papon and the TV channel." NCPCR member Kanungo said, "We have sent the notices by email; they need to answer in writing within seven days. This is in keeping with our procedure." When told about reports stating that the girl's parents did not have a problem with Papon's action, Kanungo added, "It is not about who says what now. The POCSO Act, 2012, states it is the duty of a person who has knowledge that a child is being harassed to report the offence to the police."
Lucky Ali and Papon to headline the acts at Time Out 72 music fest in Goa with Garrix
7:41 AM
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; November 9, 2017)
After wowing the audience at a concert at Srinagar’s Dal Lake last month, Lucky Ali is all set to hit the stage at the Goa festival, Time Out 72. Joining him will be Papon, the voice behind melodious numbers like Kyon (Barfi!, 2012) and Jiyein Kyun (Dum Maaro Dum, 2011). Held from December 27 to 29, the event will also see the likes of Wiz Khalifa, multi- platinum recording artiste Jason Derulo, world No. 1 DJ Martin Garrix and Grammy award-winning DJ doublet, NERVO, hit the stage.
Known for his soulful ballad-style singing, Ali has started performing live quite often these days, unlike the past decade when he largely kept a low profile. The O Sanam hitmaker states that the joy of performing to a live audience remains unmatched. “It’s always interesting to perform at a new festival and see how the audience reacts to you. I’m looking forward to entertaining my fans there,” he says.
Papon is excited to be a part of a line-up that boasts of some of the biggest names in the international music scene. “I’m looking forward to interacting with the international talent. Also, Goa has always been known as the party state, where the music never stops. So I’m excited to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the people of Goa.”
Popular indie bands, Midival Punditz, Hari & Sukhmani, The Local Train, Prateek Kuhad and Advaita are also part of the line-up.
Papon and DJ Martin Garrix Leave the stage and mic to us, that’s our playground not yours: Singers open up about actors singing songs
7:52 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 31, 2017)
Ever since its advent, social media has served as a great equaliser — Bollywood celebs share glimpses of their everyday life alongside their fans — and an enabler, letting everyone with an opinion voice it freely.
And while outrage is subsequently the new cool, Bollywood singers are using it to effectively rally behind a common refrain. They feel robbed of what is rightfully theirs — a sense of autonomy in their music and a more well-rounded equation with the stars they lend their voice to.
Mistaken identity
Neha Bhasin, the silken voice behind Priyanka Chopra’s burlesque act in “Assalam-E-Ishqum” from Gunday and the lilting “Jag Ghoomeya” from Sultan, expressed her disappointment not so long ago. “A little respect for the music industry wouldn’t hurt anybody. We are where we are with credibility and integrity,” she argued. The 34-year-old singer who rose to fame as part of a girl band which grew out of a 2002 reality show, was among the first to address the issue.
Composer-lyrcist Armaan Malik noted that he was mistaken for his singer brother Amaal Mallik by the media and leading actors at a comically alarming frequency. At an awards show, Aditi Singh Sharma, who lent her voice to the title track of Dhoom 3, was also mistaken for the “Baby Doll” hitmaker Kanika Kapoor.
Meanwhile, Armaan addressed the trend of actors taking up singing gigs for their films and also the much coveted opening act spots for international performers like Coldplay and Justin Bieber. “Leave the stage and mic to us, that’s our playground not yours,” he had said. He was seconded by Kailash Kher.
The lip-sync battle
Ayushmann Khurrana, a singer-VJ before Vicky Donor, acknowledges that many singers strongly believe actors shouldn’t sing. He asserts that there are only two others of his kind, Farhan Akhtar and Diljit Dosanjh, so singers should not be insecure. “In India, we consume music visually. We would listen to a song more if Salman Khan was lip-syncing to it than Arijit Singh,” he explains, adding that an actor like him realises his limitations as a singer. “In Dum Laga Ke Haisha, ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhage’ was a classical song. I’d never attempt that. It’ll always be Papon’s.”
Ankit Tiwari, who composed and sung “Galliyan” for Ek Villain, which also had a reprised version by Shraddha Kapoor, admitted that technology has made it simpler to tune voices and use singles for promotional purposes.
Assembly line
Ankit reveals that he’s met producers who’ve asked him to “get inspired” by certain songs before making new music. “As a result, most of our songs end up sounding the same. Unlike the West, where the final song is the singers’ alone, in Bollywood, everyone from the producer, director to the composer has a say,” he grouses, noting that if producers encourage non-filmi, pop songs with videos, it’ll change the face of music in India.
“Ours is an industry driven by superstars. They are the face of not only films, but also songs. Singers merely give playback. In commercial cinema, everyone wants to promote songs with known faces. So the need of the hour is to have singers and composers acknowledged at music launches,” the voice behind “Go Go Govinda” and “Jaaneman Aah”, Aaman Trikha, says.
To market, to market
Trikkha iterates that overseas, every artist is self-sufficient because of strategically cut out deals with music labels. “They have support from music labels with the commercial aspects of their work. They do promotional tours, gain fans and popularity. So what they invest in, they earn it back. This set-up doesn’t exist in India at all!” Aaman rants, adding the system needs to be changed from the origin up.
“Paani Da Rang” composer Rochak Kohli brings up a crucial argument, “The royalty system in the West is sorted and efficient. Not only singers and makers, but also programmers, engineers, musicians earn royalties. There’s a need for this in India if a strong, independent music industry is to be developed.”
Royalty matters
Kavita Seth admits that mutual trust and understanding between the fraternities is the ideal scenario but today’s world only understands the language of legal documents. And technicians suffer in the absence of a royalties system. Meanwhile, Ankit Tiwari recalls an event that gave him a new perpective on the status quo. “I was to perform at a charity event and was taken aback to learn that some of the funds raised was meant for senior technicians on strings, bass and dholaks and other recording artists from the ’70s–’80s who have no source of income today. Some of these technicians worked on key notes in 'Mere Rashke Qamar', which I remixed for Baadshaho, as well as the originals of other recent remixes, 'Keh Doon Tumhe' and 'Hamma Hamma'". Veteran singers Shaan and Sonu Nigam admit that the number of song offers has dwindled ever since they brought up royalty. “Even at the age of 50–60, musicians have to perform live to stay afloat. How is that fair? If I, as an accomplished singer, don’t use my work to fight for what’s right, who will?” Sonu asks.
If words don't make a great story then nothing can save a song-Papon
7:32 AM
Papon, who is known for his mellifluous voice, talks about his father as his role model and why he believes he is an independent musician
Mohar Basu (BOMBAY TIMES; March 11, 2016)
Today, when hit music in
Bollywood has become synonymous with rap and pop, there are only a
handful of artistes who believe in the power of melody. Papon, who rose
to fame with the heart-rending Jiyein kyun a few years ago, is one such
singer. He returned to floor audiences in 2015 with Moh moh ke dhaage.
As his new song Titli is gaining popularity, we engage him in a quick
chat. Excerpts:
On what basis do you choose a song?
The tune, the melody, the lyrics everything has to be balanced. A song's success depends on the right mix of every element. Be it the com position itself or its production, everything plays a key role in how it shapes up. People often have melody but don't know how to use it well. However, the most essential element for me is the lyrics. If the words don't make a great story then nothing can save the song.
Did the lack of a filmi lineage ever feel like a disadvantage?
It is not just in this industry where people are skeptical about those they don't know. It happens everywhere. People in this industry want to try fresh talent but sometimes they think twice. Likewise, there are some who don't lap up known people easily. However, someone from the fraternity will get an easier access.
In what genre does your forte lie?
I think Moh moh ke dhaage is a semi-classical ghazal whereas Jiyein kyun is rock. Love songs, irrespective of any genre, are my forte.
Your voice doesn't fit into the mould of quintessential playback singing.
I have been told my voice is nashili. I feel blessed with it. But mostly, it is the approach towards music that defines a singer. My focus is always on the song. I never pre-plan but lose myself in the melody. With experience, I know how to play my voice to strengthen the song. Now more than ever before, there is a greater involvement of my voice and its texture in enhancing each song. Only one element cannot make a good song. A good mix of lyrics, melody and music make songs that touch your heart. Eventually, it is only those compositions that live on. Singing from the heart is my only goal. I close my eyes, paint a mental picture and the track is my narrative. I live in that moment.
You come from the land of Bhupen Hazarika. Did he inspire you when you were growing up?
More than Bhupen Hazarika, I have been a fan of my father, Khagen Mahanta. He was a legend in Assam and was called the Bihu Samrat. He was inventive and gave Bihu a contemporary twist. The earthiness in my voice comes from him while the classical base comes from my mother.
The North East is so rich musically but there aren't many singers from there in Bollywood. What do you think is the reason?
There is a lot of awesome music in that region. It is a good confluence of Mongolian and rock music. Almost everyone plays some instrument or the other. But people, over there, don't want to step out of their comfort zone. On a lighter note, I feel they are too lazy. They don't want to cross all the rivers and the hills to come here. (laughs) There are many Assamese musicians who are promising but somehow they don't want to crossover to mainstream. People don't have the aggressive survival spirit.
Do you think it is this laidback quality that makes their music better?
Perhaps. People are so happy there that the same vibe reflects in their music. They are in love with what they are doing and don't want to explore more.
You are essentially an independent musician. Do you prefer that over playback?
At heart, I am an independent musician. I love to do my own production. I do a lot of indie albums especially in Assamese, some of which have got cult status back home. I like that side of me but I am enjoying playback. Singing for others pushes you out of your own comfort zone. Finding magic in someone else's magic can also be very satisfying. It is novel. I love the fact that I am discovering newer things about my own work. It also helps in reaching out to places and people whom you can otherwise never reach.
On what basis do you choose a song?
The tune, the melody, the lyrics everything has to be balanced. A song's success depends on the right mix of every element. Be it the com position itself or its production, everything plays a key role in how it shapes up. People often have melody but don't know how to use it well. However, the most essential element for me is the lyrics. If the words don't make a great story then nothing can save the song.
Did the lack of a filmi lineage ever feel like a disadvantage?
It is not just in this industry where people are skeptical about those they don't know. It happens everywhere. People in this industry want to try fresh talent but sometimes they think twice. Likewise, there are some who don't lap up known people easily. However, someone from the fraternity will get an easier access.
In what genre does your forte lie?
I think Moh moh ke dhaage is a semi-classical ghazal whereas Jiyein kyun is rock. Love songs, irrespective of any genre, are my forte.
Your voice doesn't fit into the mould of quintessential playback singing.
I have been told my voice is nashili. I feel blessed with it. But mostly, it is the approach towards music that defines a singer. My focus is always on the song. I never pre-plan but lose myself in the melody. With experience, I know how to play my voice to strengthen the song. Now more than ever before, there is a greater involvement of my voice and its texture in enhancing each song. Only one element cannot make a good song. A good mix of lyrics, melody and music make songs that touch your heart. Eventually, it is only those compositions that live on. Singing from the heart is my only goal. I close my eyes, paint a mental picture and the track is my narrative. I live in that moment.
You come from the land of Bhupen Hazarika. Did he inspire you when you were growing up?
More than Bhupen Hazarika, I have been a fan of my father, Khagen Mahanta. He was a legend in Assam and was called the Bihu Samrat. He was inventive and gave Bihu a contemporary twist. The earthiness in my voice comes from him while the classical base comes from my mother.
The North East is so rich musically but there aren't many singers from there in Bollywood. What do you think is the reason?
There is a lot of awesome music in that region. It is a good confluence of Mongolian and rock music. Almost everyone plays some instrument or the other. But people, over there, don't want to step out of their comfort zone. On a lighter note, I feel they are too lazy. They don't want to cross all the rivers and the hills to come here. (laughs) There are many Assamese musicians who are promising but somehow they don't want to crossover to mainstream. People don't have the aggressive survival spirit.
Do you think it is this laidback quality that makes their music better?
Perhaps. People are so happy there that the same vibe reflects in their music. They are in love with what they are doing and don't want to explore more.
You are essentially an independent musician. Do you prefer that over playback?
At heart, I am an independent musician. I love to do my own production. I do a lot of indie albums especially in Assamese, some of which have got cult status back home. I like that side of me but I am enjoying playback. Singing for others pushes you out of your own comfort zone. Finding magic in someone else's magic can also be very satisfying. It is novel. I love the fact that I am discovering newer things about my own work. It also helps in reaching out to places and people whom you can otherwise never reach.
Moh Moh Ke Dhaage proves that Indian music is wholesome by itself-Papon
7:36 AM
Mohar Basu (BOMBAY TIMES; March 7, 2016)
Angaraag Mahanta, popularly
known as Papon, knows how to hit the right note. He warms the cockles of
our hearts with his mellifluous voice. The singer, who has bagged a
nomination in the playback singer category at The Times of India Film
Awards (TOIFA) 2016 for
Moh moh ke dhaage (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), tells us how good songs always
find their way into the hearts of the audience. Excerpts:
You must be happy to be nominated for this song as it is different from your earlier tracks...
It's a pleasant surprise that this track has managed to come so far. In today's fast-paced world where music is created in a rush, Moh moh ke dhaage bears testament to the fact that good songs will find their way into the hearts of the audience.
What do you attribute the track's popularity to?
When it bagged nominations at each and every award function this season, I was amazed. I never knew that the song was on top of the charts. Wherever I went after the film released, I heard good things about it. Any composition is a confluence of different elements. From singing to music to lyrics, everything has to be spot on for any track to work.
It is a popular belief in Bollywood that people don't have the taste for ghazals anymore. Doesn't this number nullify that idea?
It does. Its biggest strength is its earthy melody. This track proves that Indian music is wholesome by itself. It is a heart-warming ditty that lingers in your mind. I love the musical arrangement. It has a sturdy ghazal base with a good balance of Indian and modern beats. Classical Indian music can win you over with its sheer simplicity.
Do you think you will win the award?
I don't know about that, but being nominated itself is a fabulous feeling. I am humbled and blessed.
You must be happy to be nominated for this song as it is different from your earlier tracks...
It's a pleasant surprise that this track has managed to come so far. In today's fast-paced world where music is created in a rush, Moh moh ke dhaage bears testament to the fact that good songs will find their way into the hearts of the audience.
What do you attribute the track's popularity to?
When it bagged nominations at each and every award function this season, I was amazed. I never knew that the song was on top of the charts. Wherever I went after the film released, I heard good things about it. Any composition is a confluence of different elements. From singing to music to lyrics, everything has to be spot on for any track to work.
It is a popular belief in Bollywood that people don't have the taste for ghazals anymore. Doesn't this number nullify that idea?
It does. Its biggest strength is its earthy melody. This track proves that Indian music is wholesome by itself. It is a heart-warming ditty that lingers in your mind. I love the musical arrangement. It has a sturdy ghazal base with a good balance of Indian and modern beats. Classical Indian music can win you over with its sheer simplicity.
Do you think you will win the award?
I don't know about that, but being nominated itself is a fabulous feeling. I am humbled and blessed.
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