NEW DELHI: Singer and music composer Papon mesmerised the audience with his superhit renditions of popular Assamese and Bollywood songs during the fourth edition of the North East Festival, which kicked off here last evening.
The 40-year-old singer was in full form as he churned out some of his super hit Bollywood songs like, “Kyon Na Hum Tum”, “Moh Moh Ke Dhage”, “Jiyein Kyun”, “Banao Banao” and “Bulleya”, much to the amusement of the audience, who cheered him all throughout the performance.
Papon, who is the founder of his folk-fusion band The East India Company, also took the audience on a journey to the tea gardens of Assam with his songs “Tokari”, “Dinae Dinae” and “Jhumoor”, which he had composed as part of Coke Studio season 3.
Son of noted Assamese folk singer Khagen Mahanta, Papon also performed the popular bihu song “Pak Pak”.
Besides Papon, the evening also saw electrifying performances from music bands such as Reverse Tragedy of Mizoram, Traffic Jam — A Naga band from Manipur.
Addressing the audience between his songs, Papon invited the people of Delhi to visit Northeast India and explore its culture and natural beauty.
“I have lived in Delhi for many years but I belong from north east India and my heart lies in these two places. I want to invite the people of Delhi to visit the North East states and witness its culture and beauty,” said Papon.
Sporting a jeans and t-shirt with ‘Made in Assam’ written on it, Papon started with the song “Sinaaki Osinaaki” from his album of the same name.
Papon thanked the audience for braving the smog and turning up in huge numbers for the festival.
“This song ‘Sinaaki mon’ speaks about blue skies and I do miss blue skies in Delhi now due to the pollution but I want to thank all of you who have braved this smog and attended this festival,” he said.
Papon has received several awards and honors, including three GiMA Awards, two Jack Daniel’s Rock Awards, and a Screen Award. Assamese news channel News Live awarded him the “Assamese of The Year” award for the year 2015.
The opening day of the North East Festival witnessed thousands of people thronging the Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA). The three-day event will be headlined by Zubeen Garg, rapper Borkung Hrangkhal, DJ Zaeden, Fourth Element, Mo and The Shooting Stars.
North East Festival –- Connecting People, celebrating life is an attempt to create awareness about North East India, including its including food, fashion, handicrafts, music, dance, tourism, creative performances and to promote tourism. (AGENCIES)
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