One of the most universal, popular and sought after voices in the Hindi film industry today, Angaraag Mahanta, shares with ANANYA BORGOHAIN, his sense of music, collaborations and the globetrotting experiences which double the zeal in him
Hailing from Assam, and known more popularly by his nickname Papon, he has specialised in multiple forms of music as well as has lent his voice to different genres of Hindi cinema — I am Kalam, Barfi!, Special 26, Madras Cafe, Kya Dilli Kya lahore, Soundtrack, et al. He and his band, Papon and The East India Company, have been the college circuits’ favourite and his performances in MTV’s Coke Studio are praised high and loud. He has also performed in various international music festivals and is now venturing towards acting. His debut, Rodor Sithi (Scarecrow), is an Assamese film which will be screened in all metro cities with English subtitles. His father, Khagen Mahanta, is one of the most revered artists of Assam but Papon’s fanbase is a merger of both the regional and global enthusiasts.
There is no right time to catch hold of him because he is forever globetrotting, performing. Nevertheless, he finds time to speak about his objectives and developments. Excerpts:
Given that you are adept at different forms of music — electronic, ghazal, classical, accoustic — and also perform across the world for myriad audiences, do you also categorise your performances culturally, as per the attributes of the region you perform inIJ
We do design our sets a bit, according to where we’re playing, but it’s more or less the same. Our music is global in terms of sound and presentation. So, I think it’s accepted well all across, but yes, we definitely do configure it a little beforehand since we deal with so many genres.
What is the objective behind your multiple collaborationsIJ How is the Papon and the East India Company faringIJ
We are doing well. We called the band East India Company, because most of us are from that region, and we also perform music from east India. The band came together in 2007. I started touring in Assam, following the release of my first Assamese album Jonaaki Raati. In August 2007, I decided to bring the boys in my band to Delhi and they stayed with me for two months, in my house.
As for a collaboration with any artist, it is always a learning experience. You travel to places that you would not have otherwise, in terms of music, creativity and content. The whole experience is a journey of discovery and helps you grow as an artist.
Amidst much linguistic and cultural differences, as a musician, to what extent do you think music can connect culturesIJ More so, because many might love a song/tune without understanding the lyrics. Is that not like taking music for granted thenIJ
I believe that it does connect cultures a lot. It’s said that music has no language and that’s true — it goes beyond languages and connects people all across the globe. Music talks about emotions that are the same for everyone, so it does definitely work as a medium that goes across boundaries.
How do you look at the Hindi film industry’s handling of Indian musicIJ
Bollywood has genuinely opened up to all kinds of different sounds and genres. Currently, it’s actually an interesting time for Bollywood. There are a lot of independent musicians who are a part of Bollywood and in turn Bollywood has accommodated different sounds and genres — from drum and bass to folk. Experimentaion is rejuvenating.
What is the most important factor for you while you are creating musicIJ
I would like to believe that it is the moment when I am composing a tune. The moment asks you for something and you have to understand what it means. Every composition should try to be fresh and unique. Also, for me, guitar and keyboards are the most pertinent instruments while making music.
Assamese music has an inherent quality as well as the tendency to romanticise nature and the mundane Assamese ways of living. Why is it soIJ
I think the same for all other cultures. Any regional music talks about the culture and the whole scene of the area — emotions, nature, agriculture and such. Assam has a lot of nature — hills, rivers, and generally lots of greenery — so it isn’t something that you can ignore in your music as well.
What marks your shift towards actingIJ
The film I’ve acted in, Rodor Sithi, has been directed by Baharul Islam, a prominent artist from Assam. I’ve acted in the film because Baharulda asked me to be part of it, but it’s also a character whose philosophy is similar to my own and it fits my persona and energy. The message that the film delivers is also quite true. I connected with the film and my character.
The film explores the youth’s drive for material wealth and struggles in love and life. I play a science professor who believes that we should look for answers in nature instead of accumulating material wealth and money.
How do you think your presence in the film will help in bringing in your fanbase outside AssamIJ Will Rodor Sithi have a release outside the StateIJ
I haven’t really thought about it. I’m not doing the film to get or strengthen a fanbase, but because I like the character I’m playing and the movie deals with a driving and sensitive issue.
Yes, Rodor Sithi will be released in all the metro cities.
How receptive are the non-Assam based people towards Assamese cinema and musicIJ
If it’s good cinema, people will receive it well anywhere. Rodor Sithi is sensitive and very interestingly done so it should be meted with befitting responses. There may be a language barrier, but I think the movie is fascinating enough to overcome that as well.
Singer Zubeen Garg is a part of the film as well. Both of you have been consistently pitted against each other. Both of your fans frequently battle each other.
Actually, Zubeen and I are very good friends. We appreciate one another and I think we work as a ‘reference point’ for each other. This healthy association is good for both of us and it also keeps us grounded. If you think about it, it also gives me the challenge to produce another good song. The more you’re surrounded by good acts, the better it is — the exchange of creativity is always good.
Do you discuss your music with your parentsIJ
Only occasionally but my musical journey began before I was in fact born; my mother was pregnant when she was teaching and learning Indian classical music. So in a way I started to listening to music even then!
My father is a folk legend of Assam. He has been performing folk music and popularising it for years. I was born into a musical family and that’s where the journey began.
You experiment with electro-ghazal. What is this form likeIJ
I love ghazals and the elements in them, such as the poetry. I’ve grown up with it. I think the two forms — electronic music and ghazal — blend beautifully, so I’m working on this music. It might be new to people who listen to ghazals, but I think the two forms come together naturally.
What has been your craziest encounter with a fanIJ
There was once a guy who called me at 3am and insisted that I shouldn’t sleep, as he couldn’t sleep because of my music and the pathos in the melodies. So he was standing outside his car, drunk and drenched in the rain, listening to my music at high volume. Imagine, he made me listen to my own songs at that hour! There was another guy who handed me a pen knife and asked me to carve my name on his arm – bizarre!