MUMBAI: Bollywood singer and Bengali actor Babul Supriyo has been inducted as the minister of state for urban development, housing and urban poverty alleviation in the Narendra Modi government, but the new responsibilty won't stop him from following his passion for singing.

According to Supriyo, the prime minister himself encourages his singing.

"Modiji himself inspired me to carry on with my singing. Music is to me what a charger is to a mobile. Besides, at the moment I’m a very happy man. Therefore, I’ll be able to sing much better than before. So who knows, this could be a new beginning for me as a singer," said the newly appointed minister.

At the same time, Babul is aware that his new role as a BJP minister imposes certain curbs in his activities.

"There are a few modalities involved in my new job, and my ministerial berth will surely bring in some constraints. I won’t be able to perform at live shows anymore," he said.

He is reconciled to the restraints now imposed on his life as an entertainer.

"I know I won’t be able to dance on stage anymore. But nothing should come in the way of my studio recordings. I’m sure I’ll be able to balance out my role as a singer and a responsible cabinet minister, and I’ll be able to abide by all the necessary rules and the protocol that I’m expected to follow," he said.