'My asset? Self-confidence'

Ashok Easwaran
India Abroad correspondent in New York

Babul Supriyo, who has won critical acclaim for several hit songs in Hindi films, recently performed with Alka Yagnik at a concert in Chicago organised to benefit the Federation of India Associations.

Supriyo won many hearts with his rendition of Kishore Kumar favourites as well as his clowning on stage.

In an interview with India Abroad, Supriyo spoke about what inspired him to plunge into playback singing from the comfortable security of a job with the Standard Chartered Bank in Calcutta.

Being the grandson of the music maestro of yesteryears, N C Baral, Supriyo grew up with music. Having won prizes at several intercollegiate music contests on his way to graduating with a B Com (Hons), he joined the bank at the age of 20.

But, he says, he quickly grew frustrated with the bank's routine. "You have only one life and one choice. I decided to pursue my dream instead."

The decision was not well received by his family and friends. "They all said it was a foolhardy step. But in 1992, I moved to Bombay. I had no godfather and the only asset I had was my self-confidence."

It was a period when younger singers had begun to make their mark. "There were Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet and Udit Narayan -- all doing well. Everyone, especially music composers Nadeem Shravan, encouraged me," Supriyo said.

Still, it was eight years before Supriyo made his mark with songs like Sawaan Ki Ghata, Kaho Na... Pyaar Hai and Tera Jadu Chaal Gayaa.

"Every good song need not be a hit, but it is very important to get into the bracket of a 'hit singer'," says Supriyo, "because people are investing in you and they naturally want to make money."

"It equally important to be a versatile singer, but my forte is soft romantic numbers," says Supriyo.

His other passion? Cricket.