Suman Kalyanpur, the celebrated playback singer who gave voice to timeless Hindi film classics and carved a distinct identity during the golden era of Indian cinema, passed away peacefully at her residence here on Sunday evening. She was 89.
Her close friend and biographer, Mangala Khadilkar, confirmed the news, stating that Kalyanpur died due to age-related issues. “She passed away peacefully. For the last few days she was listening to her own songs,” Khadilkar told PTI.
A Remarkable Musical Journey
Born as Suman Hemmadi on January 28, 1937, in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh), Kalyanpur began her career in the 1950s and went on to record over 740 songs in more than a dozen languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, and Gujarati.
Her career took off with the 1954 film ‘Mangu’, and she quickly became a favorite among top music directors of the era, including Shankar-Jaikishan, Madan Mohan, S. D. Burman, and Naushad.
Some of her most beloved songs include:
- Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche
- Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se
- Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye
- Zindagi Imtihan Leti Hai
- Gir Gayi Re More Mathe Ki Bindiya
She also shared a successful partnership with Mohammed Rafi, recording over 140 duets with the legendary singer during the 1960s.
‘The Other Lata’
Kalyanpur’s voice, known for its clear diction and classical texture, often drew comparisons to Lata Mangeshkar due to their similar tonal quality. Many listeners frequently mistook her songs for those of the legendary singer.
However, Kalyanpur always dismissed the comparisons, referring to Lata Mangeshkar as a “close friend”. In a 2022 interview, she described Lata Ji’s death as “heartbreaking”.
Despite often being labeled the ‘other Lata’, Kalyanpur carved a successful career on her own merit. Her Urdu diction, emotional depth, and ability to adapt to various musical styles made her a favorite among composers and audiences alike.
Padma Bhushan and Legacy
In recognition of her immense contribution to Indian music, Kalyanpur was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2023. She had also received the Lata Mangeshkar Award from the Maharashtra government in 2009.
Her final days were spent immersed in her own music. Khadilkar noted, “She was at peace, listening to the songs that made her a household name across generations”.
Leaders and Industry Pay Tribute
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief, stating that Kalyanpur’s passing “silences a divine and melodious voice that enriched Indian music for more than six decades”. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde added that “the flower of music has withered,” leaving an irreplaceable void in the cultural landscape.
Kalyanpur is survived by her daughter, Charu. Her last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai on Monday
