India, Oct. 19 -- Born into music in his Guwahati home, Papon has always carried melody in his soul. But beyond the stage, it's travelling through India's quiet heartlands, hugging trees, and taking untrodden paths that truly shape him. Known for chart-topping Bollywood hits, he's just as often found listening to folk tunes in a remote village, searching for stillness. He speaks to Travel + Leisure about music, travel, and finding peace in the forgotten corners of India.

Excerpts From The Interview With Papon T+L India: Tell us about growing up in a home that reverberated with music all the time. Papon: It's really a blessing to be born into my household. Not just because of the music, which was obviously there due to both my parents, ...