ONE of the most popular singers of Hindi films of the time Babul Supriyo visited Dhaka in a rush tour recently. Excerpts from the interview with him is given below:

The Daily Star (TDS): We know that you come from a family of music. Tell us how you began your music career.

Babul Supriyo (BS): My grandfather Banikanto Nirmal Chandra Boral was a music composer and my father, uncle and aunt- everybody used to sing. The environment was very much music oriented. I started to sing when I was about four. From then on I've just kept on the practice.

TDS: Does that mean that a positive environment combined with your hard work made you what you are today?

BS: Yes, I was the All-India champion in school in 1983 and 1985. I also got a lot of prizes in many inter college competitions. Selfconfidence worked inside me all the time.

TDS: When did you decide that you would make music your living?

BS: I got a job at the Standard Chartered Bank when I was doing

my graduation in 1991. I am the only child of my parents. It was not easy to make my fortune in Mumbai. Nobody among my well wishers wanted me to go to Mumbai leaving my job. But as I told you about my self-confidence, I had the belief that I would be able to make a place in Mumbai.

TDS: Tell us about your coming to Mumbai.

BS: I came to Mumbai in 1993 and the first three months I sang the remix songs of Kishore Kumar. It was in the same year that I got a chance to go on a world tour. It was a big break for me. I was included in a group, led by Amitabh Bachchan, which went to America.

In Mumbai it was difficult to make

a place for myself among prominent singers like Kumar Shanu, Udit Narayan, Abhijit and Amit Kumar. So it was like a dream to me. I had to struggle a lot to prepare myself. I took music lessons under many eminent musicians till 1998.

TDS: You said that you used to sing Kishore Kumar's songs, can you tell us why?

BS: We all have our phases in life. When I was not Babul Supriyo I had no songs of my own. So I chose to sing Kishore Kumar's songs.

TDS: How would you evaluate your present position?

BS: After a long struggle, the audience has finally accepted me. I am also singing for films now. I perform at home and abroad . I would like to evaluate myself by saying that it is just the beginning of my career and I have a long way to go. But if I am dedicated and sing well, people will love my songs.

TDS: Which song made you famous?

BS: I had a number of hit songs in 2001 and then with Kahona Pyar Hai came my long awaited popularity.

TDS: You are not usually seen in your music videos, why?

BS: Playback singers are not usually seen on the videos. We sing behind the screens. But if the viewers and listeners want to see me on videos I will appear more in future. I didn't want to hurry, I just want to do the right work at the right time.

TDS: You are a Bengali, then why is it that very few of your Bengali songs have become popular?

BS: Well, I sing for almost allBengali films. Shoshurbari Zindabad is one of the hit films in the last few years, I sang about seven songs in that movie.

TDS: Why do people consider old Bengali songs better than songs of today?

BS: We cannot deny that good songs are not created these days. There are good lyricist, composers and singers in Kolkata and they are trying their best. Surely there will be good songs in the future. I hope the listeners will like the songs of my recent album Rater Rajanigandha.

TDS: Do you think that the satellite channels are playing negative role in this case?

BS: I don't think so, the Bengali channels play Bengali numbers and Hindi channels play Hindi songs. It is the duty of the satellite channels to broadcast and promote hit songs. The competition has increased and with it comes wealth and fame. That is why every artiste must give his or her best.

TDS: Why is it that Bengali singers are very popular in Mumbai?

BS: Bengali musicians become popular in Mumbai for their quality work.

TDS: What you are busy with right now?

BS: Both with live programmes and recording. I also travel a lot round the whole world to perform on stage.

TDS: Many singers take up acting in later years, what about you?

BS: No chance, I have no intention of doing that. Singing is very difficult and I want to devote all my time and hard work to it.

TDS: Can you recollect any

memorable event for us?

BS: I suppose going on a world tour with Amitabh Bachchan and singing on the same stage with singers like Asha Bhonsle are memorable for me. I think life is a gift. It should be filled with joy and happiness.

TDS: Tell us about your family.

BS: My wife is a Canadian citizen. We got married in 1995 and have a daughter named Sharmili.

TDS: What are your dreams?

BS: I have many dreams but right now I better not talk about them. If I can achieve them, I will compare them with my dreams after ten to twelve years.