Singer, actor and politician Babul Supriyo has always spoken fondly about his family, and this time, it’s his father who takes centre stage. From admiring his remarkable discipline at the age of 88 to reflecting on the sacrifices that gave him a better life, Babul shares heartfelt memories while also opening up about losing his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing his father with affection, Babul says age has never defined him. “If I had to describe my father today, I’d simply call him a ‘smarty pants.’ He’s 88 years old, yet he neither looks nor behaves like someone his age. Every evening, without fail, he goes for an hour-long walk, comes back home and spends another hour singing while playing the harmonium. That’s his routine, and he follows it religiously,” he shares.

Despite enjoying Bengali sweets every day and never believing in strict diets, Babul says his father continues to surprise everyone with his energy and enthusiasm. “He has a serious sweet tooth and enjoys Bengali mishti every single day. Yet he’s in remarkable health. Over the last few months, he’s travelled to several countries, and next month he’ll be spending three months in the United States—all by himself. At 88, that’s truly inspiring,” he says.

The conversation turns emotional as Babul recalls losing his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I lost my mother during COVID in 2021. My father was 84 then, and it wasn’t easy for him to adjust to life without her. She had always been the anchor of our family. But he’s coped remarkably well, and seeing him happy today makes me feel truly blessed,” he says.

Looking at his father’s health today, Babul can’t help but feel optimistic. “I genuinely believe he’ll live to be a hundred. One thing I must thank him for is the genes he passed on to me. Even at 88, he has thick, healthy hair, and thankfully, I seem to have inherited that,” he says with a smile.

Babul says becoming a father himself completely changed the way he looked at his own parents and the quiet sacrifices they made every day. “You truly begin to understand your parents only after becoming one yourself. When you have children, you realise how much patience, responsibility, and sacrifice it takes to raise them. Looking back, I now understand everything my parents quietly did for us,” he says.

Music, he believes, is one of the greatest legacies his father gave him. “I learnt music from my father, and he learnt it from his father. It’s more than a skill—it’s an inheritance. Music shaped my personality, my thinking and the person I’ve become today,” he says.

Growing up in a large joint family also left a lasting impact on him. “Today, when nuclear families have become so common, I realise how fortunate I was to grow up in a home where everyone stayed together. As a child, I didn’t understand the effort it took to keep a family united. Today, I value it deeply,” he shares.

Babul also remembers the many sacrifices his father made to ensure his children had a brighter future. “He came from a very large family and carried enormous responsibilities. After a full day at work and a long train journey, he would often walk nearly 45 minutes from the station instead of spending money on transport. It wasn’t because he had to—it was because he wanted to save every possible rupee for the family,” he says.

Reflecting on the passage of time and the value of loved ones, Babul leaves behind a thought that resonates deeply. “There’s a famous saying that diamonds are forever. But parents aren’t. Losing my mother made me realise that every moment with my father is precious. Whether it’s having tea together or simply sharing a meal, those everyday moments mean everything to me now,” he says.