Angaraag Mahanta Biography 
Angaraag Mahanta, popularly called Papon is a pop singer, playback singer and composer from Assam. He is the son of Assamese folk singer couple Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta. As a playback singer of Bollywood his popular songs are Kyon for the movie Barfi!, Sur le re of Madras café, and Jiyein kyun from the movie Dum Maro Dum. He has also sung songs for movies like Patang, Mumbai cutting, I am Kalam, Satyagraha, Issaq and Inkaar. His first album, Junaki Raati in Assamese was released in 2004, and second album was Sinaaki Osinaaki (2009). He has also been featured in pop albums of other Assamese artists. ‘Papon and The East India Company’ is his electronic folk-fusion band formed in the year 2007. He also owns a few hit tracks from Assamese and Bengali movies.
He was born to singing couple, Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta in Guwahati, Assam. Apart from vocal music he learnt to play instruments like khol, tabla, guitar, and harmonium. His first pop album was released in the year 2004 titled, Junaki Raati (Assamese). Till now his released private albums are Niyoror Gadhuli, Dhulir Akash, Gomseng, Phagunor Gaan, Gaan, Hengul 2011-12, Phulcheng, Rongphul and Chinaki Osinaki. In 2012, he released his first Hindi album titled, The Story So Far which won GIMA 2012 for Best Pop Album (Debut). Hengul 2011-12 released in 2012 was Mobile Theater Album. His compositions include ambient electronic, acoustic folk and new age Indian classical music. Local river song influences and ghazals are other distinct styles.
He received the best male singer award in the 'Prag Cine awards' 2012, for the title track of the Assamese movie Raamdhenu. He was also honored with The Bhupen Hazarika Award in 2012. He has received nominations at GIMA awards 2011 for Best Folk Album category for his two Assamese folk albums Gomseng (Bihu) with Rashmi and Phagunar Gaan (Holi Songs). He is married to Shweta Mishra Mahanta and now settled at Mumbai. The couple has two children.
Published: N/A
Updated: February 03, 2014
