By Subhash K Jha

Veteran Bengali director Tarun Muzumdar picked up Babul Surpiyo as the lead for his latest film, by sheer fluke.

Recalls Babul, "I had actually gone to record a song for Tarun-da'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....

I guess the fact that I lost 20 kgs helped me get into the hero's bracket. Whether it's singing, making love or playing the romantic lead, weight loss always help big time, " grins the singer-turned-actor.

What does he feel about fellow-crooner Adnan'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 sighs drawing attention to failed singing stars from Sulakshana Pundit to Sonu Nigam.

"I know Kishore da is the only successful singing star and I know I was always compared with Kumar Sanu and that 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. "

The stand-out 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. That's kind of unique, I guess. And I get to play the romantic lead in a film featuring veteran actors Soumitra Chatterjee and Ranjit Mallick in my very first film.

Even when after losing weight I was doing music videos people said Babul hero ban-ne chala hai. Coming up, I've two Hindi films, but not as the lead. They're interesting roles, though. "