Singer Babul Supriyo was in Kolkata to promote the recently released song Saudebaaziyan. He had sung the song with Prakriti Kakkar. The song has been composed by Bobby-Imran and the Punjabi-Hindi lyrics have been penned down by Geet Sagar Awaazz and Mandy Gill.

This song is part of a series that features 10 songs and has renowned singers like Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Mohit Chauhan, Antara Mitra, Jonita Gandhi, Shilpa Rao, Amit Mishra, Akriti Kakar, Nikita Gandhi, Ash King, and others.

The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the renowned singer in an exclusive chat about the song. Excerpts..

You have worked with Pritam before. What was the experience of working in Saudebaaziyan?

Babul Supriyo- The working experience was good. Pritam is an old friend. We have known each other for many years now. People in today’s times give the excuse that they are busy. Pritam is one of the busiest music composers now. He is a one-man show. Even if the film flops, the songs are a hit. He might say that he is busy and that will be a valid reason. However, in between, he started an institution three to four years ago. Aspiring young lyricists, musicians, and singers are been provided a platform by him. Jam8 is the name of the institution. The young talents of this institution are now performing in different films. This is a noble initiative and I appreciate it.

And these bright and young music composers and lyricists of Jam8 are part of this Original Music Series #RoposoJamRoom. Every week, a new song is released. Not only the young talents but seasoned singers are also part of this show. There is a lot of young blood. Pritam has mentored them.

The song Saudebaaziyan has got a great response to date. It is immensely encouraging and inspiring. We are living in the digital age and CDs and cassettes are no longer relevant. Social media likes and shares have taken over. The song has been doing well and I hope that it continues to do well.

Tell us something about the song, Saudebaaziyan.

Babul Supriyo- The lyrics of the song is beautiful. “Dil kare khud se Saudebaaziyan”- the heart makes deals with itself. This is also a new aspect of love and romance. The audience will love the song when they will listen to it. I have sung in about 12 languages. But I have sung very few Punjabi songs. The lyrics were pleasant and singing the song was an altogether different experience.

How was the experience of singing with Prakriti Kakar?

Babul Supriyo- The experience has been a pleasant one. She is a young and energetic singer. She sings very well and is a great performer on stage. I know her sister Akriti very well. When you perform with such young talents and see their passion, you are reminded of your beginnings and the struggles that I had to face. It is a déjà-vu feeling. It was a nice experience working with the singer.

Mental stress and suicides are rampant these days among performers in the entertainment industry. How do you handle stress with the multiple works that you do?

Babul Supriyo- One must be happy in what they do. You must do something that you like and that will eventually become the source of your happiness. Singing makes me happy. That is my main forte. Whatever other activities I am a part of are the compartments in my train of life. My ultimate goal is happiness station and I plan to work towards keeping myself happy.

The song was released by Sony Music India in association with Roposo.

Link to the song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGQb2K4aIuc

Priyanka Dutta