Signature Startup Masterclass kicked off its second edition in Guwahati on an inspiring note with popular singer Papon who shared with the audience his journey at Vivanta by Taj on Saturday, December 16.
Following one’s passion to do something different from the ordinary requires a substantial amount of dedication and courage. Signature Startup Masterclass offers a unique opportunity to those who want to follow their passions and make a mark for themselves.
Signature Startup Masterclass 2 is being conducted across 14 cities with speakers like Benny Dayal, Rajkummar Rao, Boman Irani, Radhika Apte, Huma Qureshi, Arshad Warsi, Rana Daggubati and Richa Chadha among others who have moved away from a conventional career path and stood out owing to the success they witnessed while doing what they love.
The Guwahati edition of Master Class 2017 was hosted by the witty and quirky Neil Bhoopalam with Angaraag Papon Mahanta - a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and singer hailing from Assam - gracing the stage and sharing his ‘passion to paycheck’ story.
Papon recounted his journey from pursuing English Literature to becoming one of the most soulful voices of the country.
"I initially pursued English Literature to become a teacher, thinking I’d get enough summer and winter holidays to practice music, then I started out as an architect and almost went into that direction but, now I am happy that I took the decision of pursuing music" he says.
The audience also experienced a live performance by the singer, apart from networking with like-minded people.
The multi-talented musician spoke exclusively to G Plus in a candid interview and indulged in a rapid fire round!
Who has been your inspiration as a musician?
My parents are my biggest inspiration in life. Most of my childhood days have gone by sleeping in studios or waiting in green rooms. I’ve learnt a lot of things from them, unknowingly. Apart from that, nature inspires me to make music. Assam's scenic beauty is matchless and there is nothing more peaceful than sitting on the hills in Assam, watching the days go by.”
Tell us about your experience being a coach of The Voice India Kid?
On being asked about the experience of being a part of a TV reality show, the singer said, “It is a very different experience and I’ve been enjoying it a lot. In the show, everything is really spontaneous so I’m only being me - maybe wearing better clothes and more colourful jackets.
What do you have to say about the platforms available for musicians today?
In today’s day and age, platforms are many. When I started off, there were many challenges and too few platforms. Festivals like NH7 and platforms like YouTube weren't there. I think more than platform, it's about how interested and keen you are to bring in something new. One has to learn to understand the right opportunities, grab them and work hard to achieve their dreams.
What are your plans for the coming year? What can the audience expect?
2017 has been a really good year for me. I’m hoping 2018 will be even better. There are a lot of projects in the pipeline currently – I’m collaborating with International producers and working on International Sound Space, then there’s a Ghazal album that is in process (it is an attempt to bring back the genre), and there are some Bollywood projects as well”
What do you think about the initiative of Signature Startup Masterclass?
It is a very humbling experience to be on board with Master Class. There are times when you do not know where you're headed to but in the end, if you persevere and work towards it, you will end up on the right path, where you're supposed to be. Nobody is born great, our deeds make us great. People only see us (celebrities) as the person that we’ve become and the glamour surrounding us, little do they know about our journey and how we’ve achieved all the success.
I hope everyone here goes back home inspired to chase their dreams and create their own realities.
Now, for the Rapid Fire, we have some quick questions -
Who are your favourite music artists?
My parents are my all time favourite music artists. There isn’t one, but many artists that I love listening to, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Pink Floyd and Sting.
What’s your favourite music genre?
I do not have one particular favourite music genre. Folk, blues, semi classical, jazz.
I feel that the genre thing is now gone - there's only good music and bad music.
If you could change 3 things about Guwahati, what would they be?
Infrastructure, better communication with the rest of the word and cleanliness are the first things that come in my mind.
What are your favourite hangout places in the city?
I like to spend time at the friend’s cafe, By The Way and hang out with my friends at their place.
Which artist would you like to collaborate with?
There are too many artists that I’ve already collaborated with, and even more that I wish to collaborate with in the near future. But if I had to choose, I’d say Kygo and Shreya Ghoshal.
Who is that one actor you would love to do playback singing for?
There are very few recent actors with a baritone (Gehri awaaz), but from the yesteryears, I’d love to give my voice to Amitabh Bachchan.
Tell us about your favourite fan moment?
Once, a girl made a tattoo of my name on her neck, that had been my favourite fan moment until recently on my birthday, a Nagaon boy, Keshab Das, made an 8ft tall painting that looks exactly like me. It amazed me!
