Meaning wanderer in Assamese, it is quite a fascinating word.
From my brushes with the language, I understood the similarities Assamese has with my mother tongue – Bengali.
Then I came across Angaraag Mahanta, better known as Papon – now one of Bollywood’s leading vocalists. I first heard him sing ‘Jiyein Kyun’ in the absolutely rubbish Bollywood flick – Dum Maaro Dum.
Wondering where he had been hiding all these years, I looked him up on YouTube and found such soulful music that I have been a fan ever since. The music I did find was from his second album ‘Sinaaki Osinaaki’ and anyone with a love for folk cannot stop listening. An earthy voice and a dotara sent my imagination wandering – each time I listen to this song, my mind wanders into one of Assam’s lush tea estates.
He rushed to popularity owing to a few songs like ‘Kyun’ in Barfi! and his performances on MTV Unplugged – but he belongs to the stage, not behind a soundproof studio. And he knows it.
Recently, he also composed and sang the Roadies X theme song. Although the only bits I like about it are the fancy harems the men are wearing and the Assamese prelude, its not a bad composition. Watch here.
Those interested in his music can visit his website, or follow him on Twitter – he’s quite a regular.