Early life and education
Babul Supriyo (born Babul Supriya Barman on 15 December 1970) was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal, India. He completed his schooling at St. Mary's School, Barisha, and pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta, where he earned a degree in commerce.
Music career
Debut and rise to prominence
Supriyo began his professional singing career in the early 1990s, initially contributing to Bengali albums and devotional music. His breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with the song “Kaho Na Kaho” from the 1998 film Mann, which earned him widespread recognition.
Playback singing
From the late 1990s through the 2010s, Supriyo became a prominent playback singer in Bollywood, delivering songs for films such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001), Baghban (2003), Koi Aap Sa (2005), and Awarapan (2007). He has recorded in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu.
Albums and collaborations
In addition to film work, Supriyo released several private albums, notably Moner Majhe (1999) and Mayer Bhalobasha (2003). He has collaborated with a range of composers, singers, and lyricists across the Indian music industry.
Political career
Entry into politics
Babul Supriyo entered politics in 2014 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was appointed as a member of the party’s national executive committee shortly thereafter.
Parliamentary service
In the 2014 Indian general election, Supriyo contested and won the Lok Sabha seat from Asansol, West Bengal. He was re‑elected from the same constituency in the 2019 election.
Ministerial role
On 7 July 2021, Supriyo was appointed Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for the Ministry of Cooperation in the Union Government of India. He served in these capacities until 7 July 2023, when a cabinet reshuffle concluded his ministerial tenure.
Party positions
He has held positions within the BJP’s West Bengal unit, including serving as a state spokesperson and senior leader.
Personal life
Family
Supriyo married Riaa Rozario in 2003. The couple has two children: a daughter, Jorja, born in 2008, and a son, Parv, born in 2011.
Philanthropy and interests
He is involved in charitable activities related to education and healthcare, particularly in West Bengal. Supriyo also participates in cultural events promoting Bengali music and heritage.
Awards and honors
- Filmfare Award nomination for Best Male Playback Singer (1999) for “Kaho Na Kaho”.
- Multiple nominations at the IIFA Awards and Screen Awards for playback singing.
- Recognized by the West Bengal Government for contributions to music and culture.
Discography (selected)
Hindi playback songs
- “Kaho Na Kaho” – Mann (1999)
- “O Re Khuda” – Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001)
- “Tu Saath Hai” – Koi Aap Sa (2005)
Bengali albums
- Moner Majhe (1999)
- Mayer Bhalobasha (2003)
References
- Government of India, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. “Lok Sabha Member Biography: Babul Supriyo”.
- The Hindu, “Babul Supriyo appointed MoS for DoNER, Cooperation”. 7 July 2021.
- Filmfare Awards archives, nomination lists 1999.
External links
- Official parliamentary profile (Lok Sabha website)
- Authorized music releases on major streaming platforms
Note: All information reflects publicly available, verifiable sources up to 2024.
