Papon, the acclaimed artist known for his pioneering work in folktronica, recently shared insights into his initial reservations about the song "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage," which later became a soul-stirring hit in Bollywood. Papon's journey to the forefront of the music industry is one marked by passion, innovation, and a deep connection to his roots.
Hailing from Assam, a region celebrated for its rich musical traditions, Papon, born Angarag Mahanta, is the son of legendary musicians Archana Mahanta and Khagen Mahanta. His parents' dedication to preserving and promoting Assamese folk music significantly shaped his musical inclinations from a young age. Papon's unique ability to blend traditional folk sounds with modern electronic music has garnered him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
In an exclusive interview, Papon delved into the creative process behind his hit songs, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of fusing disparate musical styles. Among his notable contributions to Bollywood is "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage," a track that showcased his emotive vocal prowess. Composed by Anu Malik and penned by Varun Grover for the film "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" (2015), the song beautifully captures the nuances of love and connection.
Papon admitted that when he first heard "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage," he wasn't sure if his voice would be the right fit. The music industry can be capricious, and Papon wasn't certain whether his voice texture would be retained. He felt he should get the song, and when he did, he brought alive the depth in Varun Grover's words. He described the song as one that inspires humming rather than belting out, making it stand apart. In another interview, Papon expressed that he did not expect its popularity to reach such heights. He gives big thanks to Sharad, who made the movie, Anu Malik, and Varun, who wrote the lyrics.
Despite his initial doubts, Papon's rendition of "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage" resonated deeply with audiences, becoming an instant hit. The song's success not only highlighted Papon's vocal talent but also demonstrated that a melody combined with a soulful rendition can still captivate listeners. "Moh Moh Ke Dhaage" also presented a different side of Anu Malik and won two National Film Awards, including Best Female Playback Singer for Monali Thakur and Best Lyrics for Varun Grover.
Papon's versatility as an artist is evident in his extensive body of work, which spans various genres and languages. He credits his voice texture and training, an eclectic mix of folk and classical music, for his ability to appeal to different moods and age groups. His interest in Western music is also reflected in his Coke Studio performances and his folk-fusion band, East India Company.
As Papon continues to evolve as an artist, his work stands as a testament to the power of musical fusion and the enduring appeal of folk traditions in contemporary music. His journey, marked by initial doubts and eventual triumph, underscores the importance of embracing one's roots while exploring new creative horizons.
