Singer Papon will perform his popular Bollywood tunes in Mumbai this weekend

Singer Papon

In an age when showboating has become a necessary element of show business, singers continue to defy the trends. Composer and singer Papon is among the voices that personify the sentiment. The singer's concert today will capture his folk roots with a touch of innovative electronica and the recognisable Bollywood signature.

Having broken through to the cinema-crazy Mumbai audience with Jiyein kyun from Dum Maaro Dum (2011), the singer has since become a name recognised for soulful, folk-based rhythms. "My pursuit of music was not for popularity, or the numbers. I pick songs or scores because I love them," he explains.

That love is an important part of Papon's process, and also reflects in his live performances. The singer elaborates, "A live show is more about the audience. People experience your music, and what you perform becomes a part of their memories. It is not just songs; it is much more than that."

The concert will seek to capture this through an array of songs that include some of his hits such as Bulleya, Moh moh ke dhaage and Humnava among others. But they are only half the story, Papon says. "Only 50 per cent of my songs at live shows are from films, the rest are from indie compositions and folk songs."

Born Angaraag Mahanta, the singer hails from a family of classically trained musicians in Nangaon district in Assam. Yet, he took his time before choosing music. "I did not like the pressure of performing," he admits, before adding, "For me, it was always a hobby - something I love. I only chose it when I was sure of myself."

Starting out with the band, Papon and East India Company, he diversified into folk-fusion. While the band faded out, the musician continues to tour with several members. "Most of the guys are still with me." With Magh Bihu coming up this weekend, the composer said that they even held a dinner recently. "I am from a band culture, and that will never go away," he notes.

Perhaps, that is why his love for live performances does not fade. "The audience makes the live shows interesting. I always keep a vague set-list. The audience reaction, and our reaction to them changes how we pick and perform our songs. That's the magic," he adds. Some of that will be on display for his fans in the city today.

On: Today; 7 pm
At: Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
Log on to: in.bookmyshow.com
Cost: Rs 1,499