Singer-politician Babul Supriyo has revealed that his music career took a backseat during his time with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as he was discouraged from performing while serving in government. He made the remarks while promoting his recreated version of ‘Inteha Ho Gayi Intezaar Ki’.
In an exclusive interaction, Supriyo said that when he entered politics in 2014, he did not anticipate that his singing would face restrictions. “It’s not that I left singing and went somewhere. When I went into politics I never thought that this perception would be created or that there would be a restriction on my singing,” he said, adding that he initially believed both careers could run parallel.
He explained that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to do meaningful work on the ground, not for power. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Sunil Dutt, Supriyo said he saw no conflict between art and public service.
However, he noted that things changed once he became a minister. Referring to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Supriyo said, “When you become a minister, the honourable prime minister is your boss. And if he feels that someone from the council of ministers is singing and dancing on stage, going abroad and performing, it would dilute the government’s position or cause a dent in its image, then you have to listen.” He added that he complied with this expectation, though it intensified his longing for music.
Supriyo said the shift came after he joined the All India Trinamool Congress in 2021. He credited West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for encouraging him to return to music. “She writes, sings and paints. Didi told me, ‘Babul, there is no tension, you sing’,” he said.
He also stated that his decision to leave the BJP was influenced by a feeling that his work was not being acknowledged. He added that Banerjee welcomed him warmly and entrusted him with two ministerial portfolios.
On his political journey, Supriyo said he was initially reluctant to continue contesting elections, as he wanted to dedicate the next decade to music, especially considering concerns about his voice over time. However, he said that the period of restriction strengthened his practice and passion, leaving him in what he described as the “best form” of his singing career.
Supriyo, now a Rajya Sabha member, said the role offers him some relief from day-to-day political responsibilities. “I will not move even a bit from my duty. I love responsibilities, I will do that fully. And along with that, I will also completely give myself to music again,” he said.
– Ends
