To everyone’s surprise Bollywood singer and Bengali actor Babul Supriyo has been selected as the minister of state for urban development, housing and urban poverty alleviation in the Narendra Modi Government. However Babul says he isn’t surprised. “I keep my expectations within practical limits. I am happy to always let life surprise me. I was always sure that added responsibilities would come to me one day.”
Babul is not willing to give up singing. And he has no need to, since according to the singer the PM himself encourages Babul’s singing. Says the singer-turned-neta proudly, “Modiji himself inspired me to carry on with my singing. Music is to me what a charger is to a mobile. Besides, at the moment I’m a very happy man. Therefore I’ll be able to sing much better than before.”
Babul is well aware that his new role as a BJP minister imposes certain curbs in his activities and says, “There are a few modalities involved in my new job, and my ministerial berth will bring in some constraints. I won’t be able to perform at live shows anymore.”
Coming to movies, Babul tries to conceal his bitterness about the way Bollywood treated his singing aspirations. “I used to be a simple guy belonging to a music family from a small town. Mumbai has helped me grow as a person. I am glad that this city made me realise early enough whom to trust and whom not to trust.”
Babul insinuates that given his new powerful role he will favour those who treated him well. “I know those in whose tea I need to add an extra spoon of sugar. As for those who wrote me off, I’ve no complaints against them. Both the people who encouraged and snubbed me, helped me to grow. I am thankful to both.”
Still reeling under the impact of the newly thrust responsibility of a cabinet minister, Babul says, “I will take it one day at a time. To be elected alongside stalwarts like those in the current government under the leadership of Modiji is no small achievement.”
