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.