Babul Supriyo set to star in Bengali film

Mumbai, Aug 15 (IANS) After Himesha Reshammiya it is singer Babul Supriyo's turn to face the camera for veteran Bengali director Tarun Muzumdar's next film. The crooner gives the credit for getting this offer to his trim figure.

'I guess the fact that I lost 20 kg helped me get into the hero's bracket. Whether it's singing or playing the romantic lead, weight loss always helps big time,' Babul told IANS.

'I had actually gone to record a song for Tarunda's latest film 'Chander Bari'. Before I knew it, he offered me the lead! I immediately accepted. This was the man who made 'Balika Badhu' and so many classics,' he added.

What does he feel about fellow-crooner Adnan Sami's weight loss? 'He looks so much fitter. I don't know if it has enhanced his singing. But my daughter and I sing his 'Salaam-e-Ishq' track every day. As for my acting aspirations, I'll be very honest. I'm aware that history doesn't support me,' Babul sighed drawing attention to singers like Sulakshana Pundit and Sonu Nigam who failed as actors.

'I know Kishore da is the only successful singing star. I know I was always compared to Kumar Sanu as a singer and he failed as a hero in Bengali films. So who says life isn't about taking risks? And what didn't work for Sanu da may work for me,' said Babul.

The unique aspect of Babul's acting debut is that he sings only one song for himself.

'I understand I've another ghost voice in 'Chander Bari'. I guess that is kind of unique. And I get to play the romantic lead in a film featuring veteran actors Soumitra Chatterjee and Ranjit Mallick. 'Even when I was doing music videos after losing weight people said Babul hero banne chala hai. I've two Hindi films in the pipeline but not as the lead. They're interesting roles though,' he said.