Haal-e-dil unko sunana tha sunaya na gaya
Suman Kalyanur had to remain in the shadows of Lata Mangeshkar because of her uncanny similarity to Lata’s voice. Many of her songs are indistinguishable from Lata’s style, either because she was subconsciously imitating her style or the music directors were viewing her essentially as Lata’s replacement. Yet there are several songs which bear her special imprint. There is one particular song in which she seems to have clearly overshadowed Lata. I am referring to Haal-e-dil unko sunana tha sunaya na gaya from the film Fariyad (1964).
The beautiful lyric by Kedar Sharma is worth reproducing in full:
Haal-e-dil unko sunana tha sunaya na gaya, sunaya na gaya
Jo zubaan par mujhe lana tha woh laya na gaya
Pyar se seene pe sar rakh ke to dil kadmon par
Apko apna banana tha, banaya na gaya
Khelati aankh micholi rahi nazrein apni
Jinko palkon mein chupana tha chupaya na gaya
Ek hi waar mein haathon se jigar cheen liya
Haye jis dil ko bachana tha bachaya na gaya
Here is my rough English translation:
The turmoil of my heart I wanted to tell but could not
Words were simmering inside me but I could not bring them to lips
Putting my head in your lap with love and heart on your feet
I wanted to make you mine but could not
Hide and seek my eyes played on and on
But the one I was to hide in my brows I could not
With one wave of your hand you swept me away
Alas my heart I wanted to save but could not
The song has been wonderfully composed by Snehal Bhatkar, and Suman Kalyanpur’s singing has ethereal beauty. This should surely rank as one of the great songs of the golden era where everything – lyrics, music and the voice are superb.
Suman Kalyanpur sings Haal-e-dil unko sunana tha>
Now let us hear Lata Mangeshkar singing Haal-e-dil yun unhe sunaya gaya, aankh hi ko zuban banaya gaya from the film Jahan Ara (1964).
Haal-e-dil yun unhe sunaya gaya
Aankh hi ko zuban banaya gaya
Zindagi ki udaas raaton ko
Aapki yaad se sajaya gaya
Ishq ki woh bhi ek manzil thi
Har kadam par fareb khaya gaya
Laakh toofan samet kar yaa rab
Kis liye ek dil banaya gaya
Lata sings Haal-e-dil yuun unhe sunaya gayaa>
Rarely do you come across a song which seems so clearly as a rejoinder to another song. My conjecture is Lata must have been so astonished to hear Suman Kalyanpur’s beautiful Haal-e-dil that she would have been dying to outdo this song. Thus you have Lata’s own Haal-e-dil written by another top lyricist Rajendra Krishna, and composed by the King of Ghazal, her own Madan Bhaiya. Yet you feel Lata is trying too hard, and it is Suman Kalyanpur’s song that lingers in your memory.
This song was no flash in the pan. Leaving aside her Lata-type songs, there are several others which have similar beauty and her distinct style that leave a lasting imprint. Here is a list of some of Suman Kalyanpur’s all time great solos:
Suman Kalyanpur’s best solos:
| Song | Film | Music director |
| Apne piya ki main to bani re joganiya | Kan Kan mein Bhagwan (1963) | Shivram |
| Ai ji ho dekha pyaar tumhara | Dekha Pyaar Tumhara (1963) | Raj Ratan |
| Behna ne bhai ki kalayee se pyar bandha hai | Resham Ki Dori (1974) | Shankar Jaikishan |
| Bujha diye hain khud apne hathon | Shagun (1964) | Khayyam |
| Chhodo chhodo mori baiyan | Miyan Biwi Raazi (1960) | SD Burman |
| Dagabazi piya tere dil mein hai | Aulad (1968) | Chitragupta |
| Dil gham se jal raha hai | Shama (1961) | Ghulam Mohammad |
| Mere mehboob na ja | Noormahal (1965) | Jaani Babu Qawwal |
| Na tum humein jano na hum tumhe jane1 | Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962) | SD Burman |
| Sharabi sharabi ye saawan ka mausam | Noorjehan (1967) | Roshan |
| Ye phoolon ka gazra ye solah singar ho | Sara Jahan Humara (1961) | Babul |
| Yun hi dil ne chaha tha2 | Dil hi to hai (1963) | Roshan |
1. This song has also been sung by Hemant Kumar.
2. There is also a duet with Mukesh on the same tune – Chura le na tumko ye mausam suhana, mentioned later.
Suman Kalyanpur earned more fame for her duets, especially with Rafi, many of which became roaring hits such as, Na na karte pyar tumhi se kar baithe (Jab Jab Phool Khile, 1965, Kalyanji Anandji), Kya kahne masha allah nazar teer aapki (Ji Chahta hai, 1964, Kalyanji Anandji), Itna hai tumse pyar mujhe (Suraj, 1966, Shankar Jaikishan), Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke charche har zaban par (Brahmchari, 1968, Shankar Jaikishan), Tumse O hassena kabhi mohabbat (Farz, 1967, Laxmikant Pyarelal), Tujhe dekha tujhe chaha tujhe pooja maine (Chhoti Si Mulaquat, 1967, Shankar Jaikishan), Tumne pukara aur hum chale aye (Rajkumar, 1964, Shankar Jaikishan) etc. One can uncharitably say that these songs came her way fortuitously because of some rift between Rafi and Lata during that period. But even if you take out all the songs which may sound Lata-ish, you still have a large number of duets in which she adds something distinct, beautiful and everlasting. While many of her duets with Rafi are breezy in SJ or LP style, there are several others which are extremely soulful and melodious. Her duets with Mukesh are of rare beauty. Here are some of her best duets with male singers:
Suman Kalyanpur’s best duets with male singers:
| Song | Film | Music director |
| Aapne huzur mujhe kya se kya bana diya (with Rafi) | Fariyad (1964) | Snehal Bhatkar |
| Aapse humko bichade hue ek zmana beet gaya (with Manhar) | Vishwas (1969) | Kalyanji Anandji |
| Ae jaane tamanna ae jaane bahar (with Rafi) | Ji Chahta Hai (1964) | Kalyanji Anandji |
| Agar teri jalwa numayi na hoti (with Rafi) | Beti Bete (1964) | Shankar Jaikishan |
| Ajahun na aye balma (with Rafi) | Sanjh Aur Savera (1964) | Shankar Jaikishan |
| Ankhiyon ka noor hai tu (with Mukesh) | Johar Mehmood in Goa (1965) | Kalyanji Anandji |
| Baad muddat ke ye ghadi aye (with Rafi) | Jahan Ara (1964) | Madan Mohan |
| Chura le na tumko yeh mausam suhana (with Mukesh) | Dil Hi To Hai (1963) | Roshan |
| Din ho ya raat hum rahen tere saath (with Rafi) | Miss Bombay (1964) | Hansraj Bahal |
| Jab se hum tum baharon mein (with Rafi)3 | Main Shadi Karne chala (1962) | Chitragupta |
| Haan maine bhi pyar kiya (with Mukesh) | Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti(1967) | Satish Bhatia |
| Kusum rang lenhga (with Rafi) | More Man Mitwa (1966) | Dattaram |
| Manmohan man mein ho tumhi (with Rafi and SD Batish) | Kaise Kahun (1964) | SD Burman |
| Mano ya na mano meri zindagi ki bahar ho (with Mukesh) | First Love | Dattaram |
| Mera pyar bhi tu hai ye bahar bhi tu hai (with Mukesh) | Saathi (1968) | Naushad |
| Parbaton ke pedo par (with Rafi) | Shagun (1964) | Khayyam |
| Raat suhani jag rahi hai (with Rafi) | Jigari Dost (1969) | Laxmikant Pyarelal |
| Thahariye hosh mein aa loon to chale jaiyega (with Rafi) | Mohabbat Isko Kahte Hain (1965) | Khayyam |
| Tujhe pyar karte hain karte rahenge (with Rafi) | April Fool (1964) | Shankar Jaikishan |
| Tumhi mere meet ho tumhi mere preet ho (with Hemant Kumar) | Pyase Panchhi (1961) | Kalyanji Anandji |
| Wo dekho dekho dekh raha tha papiha (with Mahendra Kapur) | Fariyad (1964) | Snehal Bhatkar |
| Ye kisne geet cheda (with Mukesh) | Meri Soorat Teri Aankhen (1963) | SD Burman |
| Ye mausam rangeen samaan (with Mukesh) | Modern Girl (1961) | Ravi |
3 There is also another version of this duet sung by Mukesh and Kamal Barot.
Suman Kalyanpur had a special niche in folk based songs she sang with other female singers. Her songs with female singers occupy a special place in Hindi film music, and they easily rank among the best of the type.
Suman Kalyanpur’s best songs with female singers:
| Song | Film | Music director |
| Dil gaya to gaya dilruba mil gaya (with Shamshad Begum) | Shama (1961) | Ghulam Mohammad |
| Phulwa band mahke dekho lahke daali daali (with Geeta Dutt) | Hum Bhi Insaan Hain (1959) | Hemant Kumar |
| Kauni rang mungawa kawani rang motiya (with Sudha Malhotra) | Heera Moti (1959) | Roshan |
| Khushiyan Hazar le ke dil ka qarar le ke (with Usha Mangeshkar) | Lal Bangala (1966) | Usha Khanna |
| Garjat barsat saawan ayo ri (with Kamal Barot) | Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) | Roshan |
| More saiyan gulabyia ke phool (with Minoo Pushottam) | Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal (1965) | Roshan |
| Na na na re na na haath na lagana (with Minoo Prushottam) | Tajmahal (1963) | Roshan |
It is sad that a singer with such enormous talent did not get her due; her similarity with Lata’s voice became her curse. Yet her best is no inferior to any singer’s best, and she is one of the great singers of the golden era.
http://kunzum.com/2011/03/0...
{ 122 comments… read them below or add one }
Absolutely fascinating. I have been reading your blog, but this is the first time I am posting my comment. First, my compliments for your excellent blog and bringing alive the music of the golden era which gave us such an unforgettable joy.
Suman Kalyanpur’s Haale dil unko sunana tha sunaya na gaya and Lata’s Haale dil yun unhe sunaya gaya are both incredibly beautiful. Both are among my all time favourites, and I never thought in terms of ranking them. I would say both are brilliantly written by Kedar Sharma and Rajendra Krishna, brilliantly composed by Snehal Bhatkar and Madan Mohan and beautifully sung by Suman and Lata. Thanks a lot for giving the two songs together.
Having said that, I must say there is one major omission in your article. Your list does not include Sanwariya re apni Meera ko bhool na jana from the film Aanchal, music by C Ramchandra. This is easily Suman Kalyanpur’s one of the greatest songs.
@Arvind: Thanks a lot Arvind for your nice words. I could not agree with you more that Saanwariya re apni Meera ko bhool na jana should have been there in the list. Thanks for refreshing my memory. With such an impressive knolwledge of songs of that era, you must comment more often. It will only enrich the site. By the way, you might recall this song had two versions – a happy and a sad version – both sung by Suman Kalyanpur.
Till now,I had a feeble idea about Suman Kalyanpur Ma’am!
Thanks for the incredible information Arvind Sir!
I am Lata didi’s fan but Suman Kalyanpur has outperformed her in this melodious song.
If its a coincidence that both songs are so strikingly similar, then its okay.
But if Lata didi had intentionally done this to sate her desire of being the queen of melody, then this time she would have understood that nobody is perfect.
Not even she!
Finally, there is one singer, who, if Lata didi had not been there in industry for some reasons, whatsoever,
would have delivered the pure melody to the golden period of songs.
THANK YOU SIR!
I am no one to compare both these great singers but I feel Suman ma’am
deserves recognition for her contribution to SONGS OF YORE!
I feel sorry for my comments on Lata didi.
I am sorry Lata didi!
AK Sir, I am so grateful to you!
@Dharm: I am gratified that you enjoyed it. I should make it clear again that it was my pure conjecture that Lata sang her Haal-e-dil yun unhe sunaya gaya as a rejoinder to Suman Kalyanpur’s Haal-e-dil unko sunana tha sunaya na gaya. Incidentally both the films, Fariyad and Jahan Ara, are of 1964. My article in no way intends to reduce Lata Mangeshkar. The respect I have for her you can see from my other article ‘Lata Mangeshkar vs Noorjehan’. She would forever remain a class apart.
Hi Sir!!!
There is something I want to share with you.
Once I came across an article about Suman Kalyanpur.
In it,this was disclosed that Suman Kalyanpur sang “AAJA AAYI BAHAR” song of Sadhna Shivdasani ji’s film “Rajkumar”.
The song being my soul favourite, persuaded me to search for Suman Kalyanpur Ma’am.
Though later,it turned that it was Lata didi’s song!
But yesterday I downloaded “Haal e dil” songs and found out that Suman ji and lata didi are both Great.
Have a lovely day Sir!
@ AK SIR!
I forgot to wish you lovely nights!
Have a soulful life sir!
@Dharm:
Thanks for your greetings. But you did not tell me which Haal-e-dil you liked more, or you think both are so good you would not like to make a comparison?
Mixing up between Lata Mangeshkar and Suman Kalyanpur is quite common. Many of the songs I have listed I crosschecked for the article, otherwise I would have mistaken them for Lata songs.
@ AK SIR
Definitely so true!
With such a striking resemblance, confusion is obvious!
Sir, let me know if you have written any othe article about any topic what so ever!
I yearn to read it!
Thank you Sir!
Dear AK. Thanks a lot for drawing attention to one of the most talented and most neglected singers. Personally I am a great fan of hers and my favourite in her repertoire is Sharabi Sharabi Yes Sawan Ka Mausam. In this song, particulary, her voice comes into its own and can’t be mistaken for Lata’s.
@Dharm: I thought you read my article on my blog http://www.songsofyore.com. In that case you would find at least half a dozen other articles. I would love to have your comments on each.
@Dear Subodh:
Thanks for your comments. I entirely agree with you on Sharaabi sharaabi ye saawan ka mausam. She was very unique and distinctly different from Lata. Her performance is all the more creditable because this song stood out in the face of a great Lata song in the same film you would surely recall, Raat ki mehfil sooni sooni.
@ AK SIR,
thanks for being so sarcastic at me!
I have to go a long way to understand these internet terms-
Blog, forums etc.
I had least idea that you are the one who has written the other articles.
But. . . . .
Anyways, had I been aware of this,
I would have not troubled you!
@Dharm:
Please trust me I was not at all sarcastic. I was somewhat confused. Now that you know this is my blog, I value and respect your comments and other readers like you.
Amazing, just amazing. Hats off for your choice, you are genius. Dear how you have not included in best solos title song of Jahan Pyar Mile and in best duets category title song of saanj au savera and the beautiful duet from bheegi raat aise tau na dekho kah behak jayen kahin hum, without these songs your article is incomplete chum.
@Prabhu:
Thanks a lot, and thanks for adding those gems to the list. Just shows the bottomless treasure of the music of the Golden Era.
I really wonder, why people get confused between Lata’s voice and Suman’s voice. They sound similar but there is lot of difference if you carefully listen.
I can easily identify suman’s songs (she sung with name suman hemadi and kalyanpur)
Lata’s voice is more strong and uniform like printout comming from the printer, whereas Suman’s voice is thin and shivers when she raise her voice;
e.g in song ‘Hale dil… during raising her voice sunyaa na gyaa..
I think only LATA did justice to the Madan mohan compositions and no one else not even Suman. Suman was always second choice if LATA was not available. If Milk is not available then compromise with butter milk kind of adjustmnets.
I recently read biography of Sumanji and as i discovered the beautiful songs she has sung(which i assumed to be sung by Lataji), I was shocked. Both have the divine touch, but luck has favoured Lataji on the fame and recognition front. Ofcourse, on the personal front, Sumanji has led a very satisfactory family life, is also a wonderful cook, can draw beautiful sketches , does lovely flower arrangements and has never ever complained on the bitter episodes of her singing career. Her Marathi songs also merit the likeness to Lataji. It is her bad luck that she is referred to as Prati-Lata. She shines in her own light and we ought to acknowledge this fact and give her due credit.
I have been looking for a complete biography of Suman Hemady Kalyanpur and am yet to see a complete one – evenhe one in wikipedia is patchy!
I also notice that your article does not include one of SK’s great duets from Sakhi Robin ‘tum jo aao tho pyaar ajaye’ along with the great Manna Dey. Is this because the film had music by Robin Banerji who is almost forgotten?
Sumanji’s biography has been written by Mrs Mangala Khadilkar in Marathi. The name is “Suman Sugandh”. She also conducts a stage show by the same name, where many songs are sung by well-known artists. The song you mention is included in this biography. The many other songs listed perhaps have not been heard by us even as they have seldom been broad-casted on AIR.
@Prakash
I should thank you for mentioning Tum jo aao to pyar aa jaye. Can one ever believe that this song was from a film called Sakhi Robin and composed by someone called Robin Banerji, and enacted on the screen by some actors called Ranjan and Shalini (or Nilofar?). One very singificant aspect of the golden era is that there are a large number of such unforgettable melodies composed by now forgotten music directors, and in the most vague films with unknown actors. I may some time do a series on such songs.
Superb article. Painstaking research. A few corrections, though:
- Pyase Panchhi had KJAJ’s music, not Hemant Kumar.
- Agar Teri Jalwa Numayi is from Beti Bete.
@Prabhu: The title song of Saanjh Aur Savera is sung by Rafi & Asha.
In 1980, a movie called Ramu To Deewana Hai was released. Surely it was post-dated as it has a few Mukesh numbers who, by that time, had left us. In this film, there are a couple of Suman Kalyanpur songs, viz.
- Ramu To Diwana Hai – Suman Kalyanpur
- Tu Sab Se Haseen Hai Dilruba – Mukesh, Suman Kalyanpur
I wonder what you guys think of these?
During that phase in the 60s when Lata and Rafi were unable to sing together, a lot of duets were recorded pairing Rafi with Suman. These happen to be the most well-known of all Suman songs. Shankar Jaikishan, who were the reigning kings of film music in that era, used this combo to a great effect. In fact, they not only used Suman with other male singers but composed some rather nice solos for her also.
Here is a list of some songs featuring Suman composed by SJ:
1963 Dil Ek Mandir Dil Ek Mandir Hai Duet with Rafi
1963 Dil Ek Mandir Juhi Ki Kali Meri Laadli Solo
1963 Dil Ek Mandir Palanhaare Ram Hai Raakhanhare Solo
1964 April Fool Keh Do Keh Do Jahaan Se Kehdo Duet with Rafi
1964 April Fool Tujhe Pyar Karte Hain Karte Rahen Duet with Rafi
1964 Beti Bete Agar Teri Jalwa Numayi Na Hoti Duet with Rafi
1964 Rajkumar Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye Duet with Rafi
1964 Sanjh Aur Savera Ajhun Na Aaye Baalam Sawan Beeta Duet with Rafi
1964 Sanjh Aur Savera Chand Kanwal Mere Chand Kanwal Solo
1965 Janwar Mere Sang Ga Gungunaa Koi Geet Solo
1966 Suraj Itna Hai Tumse Pyaar Mujhe Duet with Rafi
1966 Budtameez Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai Yeh Pehla Solo
1966 Teesari Kasam Duniya Banane Waale Kya Tere Solo
1967 Chhoti Si Mulaqat Tujhe Dekha Tujhe Chaaha Tujhe Duet with Rafi
1968 Brahmachari Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche Duet with Rafi
1969 Baalak Sun Le Baapu Ye Paighaam Solo
1969 Jahan Pyar Mile Chale Ja Chale Ja Chale Ja Solo
1970 Pehchan Aaya Na Humko Pyar Jatana Duet with Mukesh
1970 Tum Haseen Main Jawan Kamdev Jaise Teri Suratiya Solo
1970 Pehchan Woh Pari Kahan Se Laaun with Mukesh & Sharda
1971 Jaane Anjaane Aao Hilmil Ke Naacho Re Aaya Apni Duet with Manna Dey
1971 Yaar Mera Dil Ki Kitab Kori Hai Kori Rehne Do Duet with Rafi
1971 Duniya Kya Jaane Meri Pooja Na Thukrana Solo
1971 Patanga Tose Najariya Ladaayi Jawani Haaye Solo
1971 Seema Ek Thi Nindiya Do The Naina Solo
1971 Andaz Hai Na Bolo Bolo Papa Ko Mummy Se with Rafi, Sushma Shreshtha & Pratibha
1972 Rivaaj Main Teri Prem Diwani Meera Solo
1972 Rivaaj Pyara Pyara Sabse Nyara Aanewala Solo
1973 Chori Chori Chori Chori Jo Hona Tha Wo Ho Gaya Duet with Manhar Udhas
1973 Chori Chori Dilbar Aa Ja Laga Loon Tuhje Main Duet with Mukesh
1973 Door Nahin Manzil Bezubaan Dil Shor Na Maacha Solo
1974 Insaaniyat Mere Yaar Ki Yaari Dekh Ke Duet with Rafi
1974 Resham Ki Dori Behna Ne Bhai Ki Kalayi Se Solo
1975 Saazish Woh Bade Khushnaseeb Hote Hain Duet with Mahendra Kapoor
1975 Sanyasi Tu Mera Din Hai Main Teri Raat Duet with Mukesh
?? ?? Hum Khoob Jaante Hain Kya Dil Mein with Rafi & Geeta Dutt
@AM
I have to profusely thank you for:
i) Pointing out the errors (since corrected)
ii) The list of SJ composed songs for Suman Kalyanpur, one of which was particularly enlightening for me. That was Duniya bananewale kya tere mann mein samayee from Teesri Kasam. The last stanza in the female voice after Mukesh’s full three stanzas was there in the movie, but perhaps not released on records – one always heard it as a Mukesh solo. I never gave a thought who would be the singer, perhaps taking for granted that it would be Lata Mangeshkar. This is quite interesting, given that the film also had great solos by Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.
a beutiful voice and soul,her duets with rafisaab are ammezing,unfrgetable. unfortunately the music directors had not used her full potential still we can use her voice but…..
dr anand dixit
You are so right. Recently I was trying to think of the best Rafi-Lata duets, especially by Shankar Jaikishan, Raf-Suman Kalyanpur duets crowded my mind, and I had to make some efforts to keep them away to identify Rafi-Lata duets.
Hello AK,
I fully agree with you. LATA has no parallel and any comparison is out of question. YET ! A big NO…Lat or anyone for that matter is not and can not be END ALL. Lovers like us appreciate all [and of course criticize too] Point is: it is futile running down someone. Every singer / songstress of yesteryear have left their indelible mark on our ears. And that can’t be wiped out.
With warm regards and season’s greetings – KRV
Hello AK,
That reminds me 2 soulful duets
• ” Saath ho tum aur raat jawaan” by Mukesh & Lata. Music composer’s name is given as: Surdikar.
• ” Pyar ka aalam” by Rafi and Usha Khanna yodels in Pyar kaa aalam in between.
Will you be able to throw some light.? Please do.
With Warm Regards & Season’s Greetings – KRV
@KR Vaishampayan
Welcome to my blog.
Lata Mangeshkar is incomparable and a class apart. No question about that. However, I found Haal-e-dil sung by Suman Kalyanpur and Lata Mangeshkar, with some variation, quite interesting. Hence this article.
You have mentioned two great songs and my special favourites.
1. Saath ho tum aur raat jawan is from (1961), lyrics Shailendra and music by Suhrid Kar. It is a beautiful duet by Mukesh and Asha Bhosle. They have sung some heavenly duets, you might remeber Humse hoti mohabbat jo tumko from Mohabbat Isko Kahte Hain (1965) composed by Khayyam, and the title song from Wo subah kabhi to ayegi, again unmistakably Khayyam .
Suhrid Kar seems to be a very rare composer. Off hand I can not recall his any other movie.
2. Phir aane laga yaa wohi pyar ka mausam. I think you mean this song. This is from the film Ye Dil Kisko Dun (1963), composed by Iqbal Qureshi. Iqbal Qureshi is another underrated composer who gave terrific music in a number of films, but in the overcrowded talent scene of the golden era, he remained confined to B-grade movies. When I hear them I feel like doing a series on such forgotten composers who gave unforgettable melodies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlPRDv_HAyc
I think,I found what I was in search regarding Maam Sumanji !!
Dear all:
The reason I am coming back to my own blog is that I just dicovered a beautiful Suman Kalyanpur solo. I am surprised I missed it and all the commentators also, who came up with several of her songs, missed it. I could not help posting it here for everyone’s enjoyment.
Suman Kalyanpur sings Beet hue din kuchh aise hi hain from First Love (1960), music by Dattaram
anil ,to add to the list…………jo ham pe guzarti hai tanha,kise samjhayen………..from mohabbat isko kahte hain.
http://youtu.be/Un37gI54e0E
@arvind
Again a great song which we all missed. Thanks for adding it.
Jo hum pe guzarti hai by Suman Kalyanpur from Mohabbat Isko Kahte Hain, music Khayyam
Agar Music Director chahte to suman ji bhi aaj lata ji or asha ji ke barabar ki singer ban sakti thi pata nahi M.D ku lakeer ke fakeer the.. ye baat samjh me nahi aati. verna aaj tasveer kuch or ho sakti thi
But suman kalyanpur one of the great singer of golden Era. suman ji ke yogdaan ko bhulaya nahi ja sakta.
Salute to you sir.
I am a fan of Suman Kalyanpur and I was trying to collect her songs but here you have provided a treasure of her gems. Not only that but also the other related informations and perfact comments on it.
Also I fully agree with your comments that Suman Kalyanpur outshines Lata Mangeshkar with Haal-e-dil unko sunana tha sunaya na gaya.
It is the fact that Sumanji didn’t get the place what she deserve and that is the great loss of the music and Music lovers.
Very informed and informative article. Thanks for compiling such a fine list. It is quite exhaustive nad comprehensive. A veritable gift for music lovers like me. Now most of these will go on my iPod.
guys please dont mistake me, little bit of similarities are there between lataji and sumanji but at the same time a lot of difference found between their voices, whenever i hear the song of sumanji i can easily make out its her and not lataji, the difference is when she raises her voice and goes for a higher pitch, her voice gets shivering and u will feel some sought of discrepancy, and latajis voice its like a perfect tuning and pitch. Please listen carefully both voices and u can justify it.
@Wajid Shah, Ajay
Thanks a lot for your generous compliments. I am happy that you found what you were looking for. As a matter of fact, I am myself discovering a number of hidden gems through this blog.
Perhaps to the list of duets you may want to add “Tumjo aao to pyar aa jaaye” from Sakhi Robin with Music by Robin Chatterjee and “Na jaane kaha hum the” from Zindagi Aur Khwab with Music by Datta Ram.
@Ajay
Prakash earlier mentioned about the lovely duet Tum jo aao to pyar aa jaye (comment #20). Fortunately its video is also available. Here it is:
Tum jo aao to pyar aa jaye by Manna Dey and Suman Kalyanpur from Sakhi Robin, music Robin Banerji
I do not know how Na jane kahan tum the got left out. It is a major omission. Thanks for poiting it out. Here is the song:
Na jane kahan tum the by Manna Dey and Suman Kalyanpur from Zindagi Aur Khwab, music by Dattaram
thanks a lot for this invaluable info.i am an ardent fan of suman kalyanpur and feel that she was at the right place , but at the wrong time !!!, when lataji was ruling the music world., yet the music directors of that era could have done justice to this melodious singer. She did deserve even better.
Superb article on my favorite singer.
suman kalyanur one of the great singer of indian cinema. un ke sath sab ne hi naainsafi ki chahe wo music directors ho ya media sab ne un ki undekhi ki pata nahi ku……….
Suman Kalyanpur created a niche for herself in the music world.She has given us some songs which will be cherished forever.Though it is a belated greetings yet it comes from the heart,HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ,SUMANJI.
Excellent! Sir, I’ll be obliged if you or any of your reader answers my following query.
During the 60s, there was a rift between Lata & Rafi during which they did not sing togather.What was this period ? ( exact or roughly ). Thanks!
About mid-60s for a few years, when you see SJ promoting Sharda (Titli udi ud jo chali) etc. and you also see more Rafi-Suman Kalyanpur duets. But I think the break was not absolute. Even during the period of the said rift, you do get Rafi-Lata duets. The rift is said to be because Lata Mangeshkar wanted Rafi’s support on the issue of singers also getting some share of royalty from the record companies. A simple and contented person that Rafi was, he had no desire for this fight. His view was that once a singer has been paid for his singing, that should be the end of the matter.
Moiz ji and AK ji,
Due to a rift on the royalty issue,Lata and Rafi stopped singing together for a period of about 3 years,from 1963 to 1966.As AK ji says there were 3 duets of Lata Rafi even in 1964 (from Ayee milan ki bela and Leader),but they were recorded before their rift.
Their first duet after the rift was over was ” Tum bin sajan barse naina” from Gaban-1966 (MD-S/J).
-Arunkumar Deshmukh
Thanks for the info AK ji & AD ji both of you!-moiz.
Thanks AK ji for the info. But the list of her songs is too short. Mangala Khadilkar has written a book about Sumanji i.e. SUMAN SUGANDH, it means fragrance of flowers . The book contains the story of her life and at the end the lisr of all the songs in hindi, marathi & other languages, and also non filmy songs. The list is too long.
@Smita:
I would love to read Suman Sugandh. I hope it is in Hindi. I am sure she would have sung several hundred songs, the article was meant to mention some of her best songs.
dear sir
i do not agree with u as they both have their own potential lata ji is lata ji and suman ji is suman ji.
both the songs u uploaded are different type of singing style and raag so this is not the right measuring.
I Have Been Listening To Suman Kalyanpur Only. I Call Her My Ammaji Ever Since My Biological Mum Migrated To New Zealand With My Siblings. Suman Is My Mums Most Favourite Singer And So I Hear Her Whenever I Feel Like. I Am A Tertiary Student And I Believe Ammaji Is Very Special To Me. To Me She Will Always Be The BEST !!!
two solo’s of her imeediately come to my mind :
1. chaand kanwal mere chaand kanwal, chup chaap so ja yun na machal
SAANJ AUR SAVERA- SHANKAR JAIKISHAN
2. nigaahen na phero chale jaayenge hum
BLACK PRINCE – DULAAL SEN
both have their own unique flavour and are my all-time favourites.
@bhagwan thavrani:
This is the first time I am hearing these songs, and I have fallen in love with Nigahein na phero, and Suman Klayanpur. This song should rate among her best, I am surprised why it has remained hidden. This also has a Rafi version. But I find Suman version better, which is an exception to my rule about Twin songs. The only reason I could think of its obscurity is its uncanny similarity to Maine chand aur sitaron ki tamannna ki thi. But a great song all the same. Dulal Sen is also new to me. Was he ever assistant of N Datta?
Nigahen na phero by Suman Kalyanpur/Rafi from Black Prince
Very interesting feature on a great singer Suman Kalyanpur. I woud like to add few songs not mentioned in the article: Juhi Ki Kali Meri Ladli & Dil Ek Mandir Hai (Film Dil Ek Mandir), Chand Kanwal Mere Chand Kanwal (Film Sanj Aur Savera)
@Padmanabh K Joshi
Perceptive readers/ listeners like you have mentioned these songs in their comments (#24 and #55).
can anyone tell me where this book SUMAN SUGANDH on suman kalyanpur can be had ?
or at least the contact number of author who can tell us the publishers name / address ?
hopefully, the book is in hindi…
@ AK & Bhagvan Thavrani
The book SUMAN SUGANDH by Smt. Mangala Khadilkar is in Marathi It’s Navchaitanya Publications.
Smt Khadilkar’s Contact Nos. 26372166 / 9820453110
Her E-mail – umangk@mtnl.net.in
I am mentioning some of her famous songs here.
1. na jane kaha tum the na jane kaha hum the (jindgi aur khwab)
2.na tum hame jano na hum tumhe jane (BAAT EK RAATKI)
3.tumne pukara aur hum chale aaye (RAJKUMAR)
4. aise to na dekho ki bahak jaye kahi hum (BHEEGI RAAT)
5.na na karte pyar tumhise kar baithe (JAB JAB PHUL KHILE)
6. mere mehbbob na ja aajki raat na ja (NOOR MAHAL)
7.dilne phir yaad kiya (DILNE PHIR YAAD KIYA)
8. rahe na rahe hum mahka karenge (MAMTA)
9.ha maine bhi pyar kiya pyarse kab (BUND JO BAN GAYEE MOTI)
10.man mera tuzko mange dur dur tu bhage (PARAS)
11. panime jale mera gora badan panime (MUNIMJI)
12. barkha bairan jara tham ke barso (SABAK)
13. meri kali kalutike nakhare bade (APNE RANG HAJAR)
14. Allah karam karna maulah tu raham karna (DADA)
15. din ho ya raat hum rahe tere sath yeh hamari merji (Ms. BOMBAY)
16. Baad Muddatke Yeh Ghadi Aayee (JAHA AARA)
1. Zara Thaher Jaao – Khuda Kasam
2. Dil Ki Kitab Kori Hai – Yaar Mera
3. Narazagi yeh Aap Ki – Unees Bees
4. Hum Ne Mana hupe Sajan – Dada
6. Raat Suhaani Jaag Rahi Hay – Jigri Dost
7. Yoonhi Dil Ne Chaha Tha Rona Rulana – Dil Hi Toh Hai
8. Chura Le Na Tumko Yeh Mausam Suhana – Dil Hi Toh Hai
9. Mumkin Hay Naiyya Se Patwar Cheen Le Koi – Yadon Ki Zanjeer
10. Chale Ja Chale Ja Chale Ja – Jahan Pyar Mile
11. Itna Hai Tumse Pyar Mujjhe – Suraj
12. Mera Pyar Bhi Tu Hai – Saathi
NO COMPARISON!!
IVE LIVED TO LISTEN INDIAN FILM N NON FILM MUSIC FR THE FORTIES FIFTIES SIXTIES AND UP TO THE PRESENT!!
Lataji’s has stood the test of time!!
She has been the first choice for all music directors except op nayyar!
Again op nayyar got the contract for the second and third rate films only!! He gave SK a break when he fell out with asha but he soon dropped SK!!
When lataji was riding high with laxmikant pyarelal, Shankar Jaikishan did give SK several lata style songs but they too returned to lataji eventually in the 70s!
Even RD Burman gave the cream of his compositions to Lataji! That in itself tells volumes!!
Suman Kalyanpur got her fair share as the singer of 3rd choice!
Even today Lataji is a magnet to the producers and music directors of the north n south!! There are no queues for SK!!
Sk got a break with a few songs here n there only! No big banners or music directors would take the risk of Sk for all the songs in their films
Fantastic information/collection.
No question or doubt about Lataji’s talent and that most of the music directors gave most of the songs to Lataji. Does this mean Suman Kalyanpurji was in any ways inferior to Lataji. NO . NOT AT ALL. People say, Lataji did not allow music directors to take Sumanji.Not only Sumanji was a victim – there were many more budding/ established good singers who could not rise / come into limelight because of Lataji and those music directors who were scared to take any singers other than Lataji.This was utterly UNFAIR. See how many younger singers are doing fantastically well . If you hear old songs of Lataji recently sung by SHREYA GHOSAL( and some other singers) , you may not find any difference in quality of voice OR RATHER appreciate that Shreya ‘s voice is equally good if not better. There were and are many such singers in India equally good or may be even better than Lataji. I say this with great respect to Lataji. Please note I have no intention to belittle or disrespect Lataji. She is great and will always remain in our heart as QUEEN of melody.WAQT WAQT KI BAAT HAI. What injustice was done in the past towards the younger singers can not be repaired. This was an irreparable loss to the music industry and music lovers.
Howcome a song be sung better than Lata if it is measured with a yard-stick called Lata. We all tend to find the Lata’s flawlessness in the songs sung by every other Lata style female play-back singer of Indian sub-continent–great and not so great, old and new. And then term it “like Lata” and some times even “better than Lata” if it is practically flawless. But, only Lata remains the legend, prejudice excluded.
Talentwise Sumanji was on par with Lataji. But she became a victim of the machinations of you-know-who. Also, there were too many restrictions on her which prevented her from realizing her full potential. People in the know of things will know what I mean. But even with a relatively limited repertoire she has given some evergreen nuggets.
surprisingly no mention of her most famous duet
guess
aaj kal tere mere pyar ke charche
It is not possible to forget this song. I have mentioned this in the writ-up between the list of solos and duets.
Dear Sir,
You all will excuse me for what I have to unveil, to do justice with this debate.
I keep side with M. D. Bhasin Saheb, and agree with him that “Lata Is Lata”, none is near her, whatever be her way to remain in limelight. i consider this to be my fortune that I find her singing still, may not be as melodious.
It was in 1960′ that Lata Dee had some serious differences with Rafi Saheb, overthe issue of sharing of Royalty conceded by the film producers to the music composers. Lata Dee wanted Rafi Saheb to support her to get her (the singers) one-half of the amount of the royalty. Rafi Saheb believed that a playback singer’s claim on the filmmaker ended with the payment of the agreed fee for the song. During the recording of “tasviir terii dil me.n” (Maya, 1961), Lata ji argued with Rafi Saheb over a certain passage of the song. Rafi Saheb felt belittled, as Music Director Salil Chowdhury ji sided with Lata ji. The situation worsened when Lata ji declared that she would no longer sing with Rafi Saheb. Rafi Saheb stated that he was only as keen to sing with Lata ji as she was with him. Later, at the insistence of S. D. Burman Da, the two decided to reconcile and started singing duets. Personal level differences still continued.
I may be excused to mention here that it was because of this incident that Suman ji was able to sing duets with Rafi Saheb, that you may say are memorable (or whatever qualification you attach). While I am satisfied with the melody of the songs, I wish to cry for what could have the beauty/melody of the songs had tese been sung by Lata Dee.
I beseech forgiveness for making this special remarks that this the strict musical restriction imposed by the music composers that make a song memorable. Singers are numerous, but the decision, who will sing and how, makes the whole difference. The same song when performed on stage by any singer (be it Lata Dee or Rafi Saheb) without the composer’s ‘Bandhish’ could not result in so powerful melody, even though the it accompanies similar music.
The music lovers can never estimate the loss that they have suffered for this controversy. To conclude, I feel highly indebted to all those composers (the list is too long) for taking Lata Dee for singing songs (Solo’s or duets with Rafi Saheb, Manna Daa especially) composed by them to let me submerge into the ocean of melody.
I THINK “SUMAN JI” (KALYANPUR) IS TRULY A LEGEND , I JST LUV HER VOICE QUALITY SHE HAD, HER VOICE HITS MY HEART & MIND ALL THE TIME WHENEVER I HEAR HER LOVELY SWEET MELODIES. “LATA JI” IS ALL A LEGEND BUT “SUMAN JI” SOME HOW WAS BIT NEGLECTED IN THOSE DAYS EXCEPT FOR FEW OR ELSE SHE WOULD HAVE THE BEST FEMALE SINGER. I REALLY FEEL VRY SORRY FOR HER , NEVER MIND SHE HAS SHOWN THE WORLD WITH HER SWEET BEAUTIFUL VOICE THAT SHE COULD HV ALSO BECOME MORE POPULAR AND WOULD HV SUNG MORE THAN WHAT “LATA JI” HAS SUNG.
I NEVER EVR FORGET WHEN I LISTEN TO SONGS / MUSIC / OLD MELODIES THAT IS 1) ITNA HAI TUMSE PYAR MUJHE MERE RAJDAAR (SURAJ) DUET ALONG WITH “RAFI JI” 2) DIL NE PHIR YAAD KIYA DUET ALONG WITH RAFI JI, MUKESH JI. MY TEARS JST SOME OUT WHEN I HEAR TO SUCH MELODIES.
With reference to Suman Kalyanpur, I want to share with my friends a purely personal nostalgia. In my adolescence, in late fifties, I happened to see a semi-mythological, semi-historical movie, ‘Maya Machhinder’ with music directio of Ram Lal Hira Panna (known so because of wearing a diamond in one ear and emerald in another). A song by Suman Kalyanpur in the movie came close to my heart and stays there till date. This one never came in the list of her popular songs and and except those who bought its 78 rpm gramophone record in late fifties or early sixties could never get it as it was included in no EP, LP, cassette or CD. It is not available on You Tube or other music sites either. This song was, ” Saal solahwan laaga, Ladakpan bhaga, chunariya phar-phar udtee jaye…” Brittle, as they were, after losing 78 rpm record, I could never hear the song for several decades, and probably this craving would have gone with me, but my friend Kushal Gopalka, Music Lover of Mumbai, dug it from archives of someone and presented me in a CD. I confess my ignorance of the pocedure otherwise I would have uploaded it for my friends of ‘Songs of Yore’. Can anyone help?
It must be in mp3 form. You can mail it to me as attachment at ak@songsofyore.com, and I would take care of the rest.
I believe the song Tere bin soone nain hamaar from Meri Surat Teri Aankhen is sung by Rafi and Lata and not Suman as you have cited. The other duet Ye kisne geet cheda from this film is sung by Mukesh and Suman.
Very informative post and comments. I discovered several gems I had not heard before.
Thanks for the correction. It was an inadvertent error.
I read all the comments and somehow I come to the conclusion that there is a great feeling of fearnes of lata. It is like the most people are afraid to write something negative of her as inthis case that sumanji is better than her. I listen to the song,’to sabse haseen hai dilruba’ from ramu to diwana hai each day maybe at least 60 times still it is like honey to my soul, I can’t have enough of this sweet song.I heard that sadly this film never released, could you give me information of the cast deepa rani and chandru, please? Thank you.
At the very outset I beseech apology for my expressions that follow.
With reference to the comments of subscribers, I really appreciate their inclination towards Suman Dee. I humbly feel that the opinions of people are in no way due to fear. It is in the same way that others are fondly attached to Suman Dee. If one thinks that there is some thing negative in Lata Dee, it may be his/her personal opinion.
Lata Dee is the pride of the nation for her excellent voice quality and singing capabilities (she may not be holding on to these, of late). For these reasons she remained the first choice of so many Music Composers, we must kindly consider.
I personally feel that every one has a role to play in the creation of the Almighty. And, every one is unique, in some way Suman Dee is different (if not better, for which she was preferred over Lata Dee, for singing so many melodious songs) from Lata Dee.
My humble submission, everyone is justified in falling under fan following of a Super-Star, but he/she should better not be so critical about other Stars and their fans, while expressing opinion publicly.
This all is without prejudice, and also not with a view to offending anyone, kindly note.
Yes, Lataji and Sumanji both these Singers have similar voices, and may be due to some or other reassons Lata got the Lion’s share. Thank God this didn’t happen in case of Sunil Gavaskar & Sachin Tendulkar and they happened to be in different era.
But even after having sung so many melodious songs, Suman Kalyanpurji might never got her share for the songs which she had sung, because people may take the song to be sung by Lataji.
Barring from a single song (“BBC”) directly sung by Sumanji is available on the You Tube, you will not even got a single concert or Stage performance of Sumanji’s on the internet. So to many people Suman Kalyanpur is unknown.
So the need of the hour is to up-load all the information, concert and each & every moment of Suman Kalyanpuri’s available among us to a common platform of internet. Justifyably next generation must know who is Suman Kalyanpur. And even at this age why not some daring music director come up and let her sing once again in a new hindi movie.
Congratulations for this great work. Suman Kalyanpur truly deserved much better professionally than what she received. But she had a very happy and fulfilling personal life and as it happens very often, at the highest professional level one has to make a choice and sacrifice the one or the other…!
On another note, I am truly surprised that no one seems to remember what was probably her first song in Hindi films and an absolute masterpiece: “Koi pukaré dheerésé tujhé” from the film “Mangu” (1954) music by Mohammed Shafi who was later replaced by O.P.Nayyar.
“Nanhisi gudiya aafat ki kudiya” was another beautiful lullaby she sang for Robin Banerjee in the film “Masoom” (1960).
Thanks a lot for introducing us to two of her forgotten gems.
Koi pukare dheere se tujhe by Suman Kalyanpur from Mangu (1954), lyrics Saba Afghani, music Md Shafi
Nanhi si gudiya aafat ki pudiya by Suamn Kalyanpur from Masoom (1960), lyrics Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, music Robin Banerjee
Thanks for the article.
It is very interesting
I would like to add one more very good song to the list,
the song is “Yeh din din hai khoosi ke” a duet with Manna dey.
I am not 100% sure but most probably the film is Madhu.
Mumbaikar8
Thanks a lot for mentioning this outstanding duet. It is from the film Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai.
Ye din din hain khushi ke by Manna Dey and Suman Kalyanpur from Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai (1963), lyrics Shailendra, music Dattaram
Thanks for coming up with the right movie name…..
I wish I had enough time to go through all the blogs.
Will go through all of them one at a time.
Thanks once again, for the wonderful site
Hope you get time to go through all the posts. One contribution which latecomers can make is to point out if any of the videos have been taken out by the YouTube. This is a recurring problem with YT, but fortunately they take out one, there would be five more available of the same clipping. So once I know I can replace them.
I am happy that you liked the site. Welcome to the growing Songs of Yore family.
Very informative article but misses many Suman gems which have since been highlighted by others. Suman sang some wonderful duets with Rafi when they had the rift. Lata was so worried by these hits that she soon made up with Rafi saheb. If the rift had continued a bit longer there is little doubt than Suman Kalyanpur would have become as famous as Lata as she was as cersatile as Lata, if not more. Lata was also a political person who did not tolerate competition. The way she treated Vani Jairam is proof enough of her vindictive nature.
sharing “…ek jurm karke hamne chahatha muskrana…”
by suman kalyanpur from the movie “…shama….”
Beautiful song Arvind. Thanks a lot for refreshing our memory. This song is a proof that Suman Kalyanpur was also recognised as a great singer in her own right, and not just as a replacement for Lata Mangeshkar.
I appreciate and thank you for the comment “Suman Kalyanpur was also recognised as a great singer in her own right, and not just as a replacement for Lata Mangeshkar”
I enjoy both with falling into controversy who is better. This could be felt only when both sing the same song and the person who listens to has the capability to comment upon.
Thank God the industry did not have too many singers, else there would too many judgements. You may agree, fan following blocks our vision to appreciate others.
Having said and done all I love the forum that enriches us in so many ways. Let us keep this spirit of loving all, with out prejudices.
Please read: “I enjoy both without falling into controversy…” in my above comments.
A few days back I got to watch a TV show by Javed Akhtar. In that show, on S D Burman, Javed Saa’b was all praise for a rare simplicity in a lullaby in Hindi Films. He observed that mothers of our that era must be great exponents of music, by the standards that the lullabies manifested tunes, compositions, ‘harkats’ and all that only a master can express so fluently that a child would go to sleep.
That reference struck me an equally difficult, an extremely high-octave, superbly orchestrated Suman Kalayanpur song – Chand Kanwal Mere Chand Kanwal from Sanjh Aur Savera – http://youtu.be/azhmLIQgLeo
Apart from the composition skills of SJ, we listen to a great range that Suman Kalayanpur has rendered in this song. The scales can be considered even higher for the great male singers like Rafi or Mahendra Kapoor,
The song has several references in the discussions to the main article herein. But, the way the song connected me up with that remark by Jaaved Saa’b has compelled me to share my ‘instant’ liking of this song. Thanks for bearing with me.
The comments of Ashok M Vaishnav reminds us of a gem from the treasures of Suman Kalyanpur, and I vouch for her singing capabilities.
But, it fail to add anything to the forum caption is “Suman Kalyanpur outshines Lata Mangeshkar.” The forum is mot about how beatifully she sang. We do not need to remember all her songs, one by one, to compare her with Lata Dee, without bringing out a similar song by Lata Dee, and then coming out with the aspects of singing to discuss them to establish superiority of Suman Dee over Lata Dee.
Shri AK, the moderator, may please excuse me for this observation.
OK, let me, now, add my views a bit further, even at the risk of courting a possible backlash:
Film already has songs by Lata Mangeshkar. So, it is difficult to judge decision of SJ to field Suman Kalyanpur for this song. May be, Lata Mangeshkar was known for her displeasure to sing in very high octaves, so she either may have opted out from the song, and SJ had to fall back upon Suman Kalayanpur. Or maybe, SJ thought that (only) Suman Kalyanpur could really do the justice to the tune.
Of course, there could be a third possibility of song originally would have been planned to be be picturised , not in lead heroine, hence choice of Suman Kalyanpur – as in Aj Hu Na Aaye Balama.
Mr Suresh Maloo, Mr Ashok Vaishnav
I don’t think anyone can seriously suggest that Suman Kalyanpur was superior to Lata Mangeshkar. Lata Mangeshkar is the ultimate. Period. My somewhat provocative title was with reference to a particular song and a very simlilar song, sung by the two singers, and I found the Suman Kalyanpur’s version superior to Lata Mangeshkar’s. But it has to be understood it is my opinion. It is neither a judgment nor is it assumed that others should share my views. Having said that, as I searched for her songs for this article and came to know of many more from the readers’ comments, my respect for her has gone up manifold. It is also heartening to see that she has so many earnest and knowledgeable fans. When I started SoY, it was स्वान्तः सुखाय. Now it has grown into a big family, and we are together discovering, reliving and learning more about songs and the artistes of our great legacy. There never was the intent to pull down anyone, everyone who gave us memorabe songs, is worthy of our respect.
I regret for my unpolished expression. You had to play the role of mediator unnecessarily.
Kindly allow me to reserve my right to be impartial on such debates which lead us to nowhere.
I am among the admirers of Suman Dee, but shall never ever try to compare her with Lata Dee, and vice versa. For me, both these celebrities are living legends on the horizon of times. None stands as competitors to another in my heart. I am fond of good music compositions, and that is all.
I will appreciate an email communication (you have my mail id) should you have any thing to accomplish further.
@Shri AKji,
Even as Thanks are due, every time, any time and all the the time, for providing invaluable insight to a the hidden gems of the Yesteryear Hindi film songs.
Obviously, different people like (or dislike) these songs and do have quite strong views.
Airing these divergent views on this platform certainly adds value to the original articles, it is also appreciated that each of the participant manifests restraint in respecting the point of view of the others.
However, You play a perfect moderator in terms of smoothing the rough edges in such ‘lively’ discussions.
@ Suresh Maloo
Apart form what I have stated in my views here before, I will only a small clarification form side: We are all expressing our views on the subjects that can best be classified as “history’, and, have our own views , more as those who love/ like the subject. By and large,none of us have any professional or commercial interest.
I avoid crossing the limits of the rough edges of my personal views, but have been increasingly tested the limits. This has been possible only because of the sagacity of all those who interact on this platform.
Dear friends, please does any one have the lyrics for Sumanji’s song Meri Pooja na Thukrana from the film Duniya Kya Jaane. I wish to sing it at a satsang soon and I remember this song was very beautiful. I cannot even find the audio on the net. If any one has the lyrics please do inform me. Thanks in advance, Shashika
Wonderful topic!
I absolutely adore Suman’s voice and several of her songs would feature in my list of classics from the Golden Age of HFM. I was surprised the following duets were not included in the lists here:
Mujhe Yeh Phool Na De (Rafi) – Ghazal
Dil-e-Betaab Ko (Rafi) – Palki
Ke Jaan Chali Jaaye (Rafi) – Anjaana
Rahela,
The last two are quite well known songs. Since several readers have given comprehensive lists, it is indeed surprising that no one mentioned it. Mujhe ye phool na de is not very commonly known. It is a very pleasant song with beautiful Madan Mohan composition.
Mujhe ye phool na de from Ghazal
I came across this facinating Lata Suman song and immediatly thought of this article.
The most surprising part of this song is that Lata is in the back seat which is very unusual.
Kabhi aaj kabhi kal kabhi parson from Chand, music Hemant Kumar
AK Ji,
After I wrote to you,I remembered about another duet of lata and Suman.
Film- Gazal-1964
MD-Madan Mohan
Lyricist-Sahir L.
Song- Unse Nazarein mili aur Hizab aa gaya…
Singers-lata,Suman and Chorus.
HFGK has given a note that ” It seems this song was filmed in the film in the voices of Lata and Minu Purushottam and the same was included in film’s LP also ” (approx. transalation from original Hindi comment in HFGK).
The original duet’s record No. is given as N-54715
I tried on You Tube but could not get this duet there.
This is for your info.
-Arunkumar Deshmukh
@mumbaikar 8
So for the time being, this remains the only Lata Mangeshkar-Suman Kalyanpur duet available in public domain. It is absolutely fantastic, and it is surprising that it has remained hidden for so long. Thanks for bringing it to our notice, and thanks to the person who has uploaded it on the YT.
@Arunkumar Deshmukh
Thanks a lot for your clarification. Now I would also be on the lookout for the second duet.
AK Ji,
Mumbaikar8 ji has really done a great job of bringing this to our notice,though it was hosted by 2 different persons,since last 2 years,on the You Tube.No one had recognised its importance,so thanks to
Mumbaikar 8 ji.
-AD
Its my pleasure to participate on this site
Following is one of her gems she sang with Bhupenda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1q-o2JIqWo
Ratul, it is an outstanding Assamese folk song. The YT does not identify the female singer, who does sound like Suman Kalyanpur. Could you please give some more details about this song?
The song was composed by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in 1965 – sung by Bhupenda and Suman Kalyanpur. Its a love song.
Below is another beauty by Suman Kalyanpur in Assamese. This was composed by Dr. Hazarika in 1968:
http://music.raag.fm/Assamese/songs-14228-Suman_Kalyanpur-Various
I invite you all music lovers to listen to this – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1q-o2JIqWo
And appreciate how great a communicator was Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.
You guys might say I am biased – I am bisaed because Bhupenda stood for humanity.
It is high time Suman Kalyanpur was honoured with a life time award by the film industry and given due recognition. I think we music lovers should make it happen . AK, please start a social media campaign we all will join. Thanks for reminding us about her, whom everyone in the industry knows but just passes by and leaves her forgotten !
Pawan , very well said. Suman Kalyanpur does deserve an award worthy of her. Wikipedia mentions that Maharashtra governmnet honoured her with the prestigious Lata Mangeshkar award in 2010. It is silent on Padma awards, so I am not sure whether she got any or not – I would have to check up on this. This year’s Padma awards list includes Sudha Malhotra. It must be the famous singer. It is a pleasant surprise that someone remembered her after so many years. That gives us hope for Suman Kalyanpur. If a recommendation is put up for her at the right time with citation, through Maharshtra government or some other credible institution or individual, I have no doubt she should figure in Padma Bhushan list. Many in SoY family would know someone in the right quarters who can pursue it. Let us pursue that to see her name figure prominently in the next awards. Since no one questions the merit of the case, and it is more a case of oversight, I guess this would be more effective than a campaign on social media.
Akji,
I wholeheartedly endorse your suggestion. Today is 28th January. Today is Suman Kalyanpur’s birthday and she has completed 76 years. Let us pay our humble tribute to her on this occasion.
I join you in conveying our best wishes on her birthday, wishing that her next birthday would bring some good news.
Many thanks for the information Venkataraman ! I agree with AK that this can be better addressed by a pointed approach to the right people, as it is clearly an oversight. I join you and all in SoY family, in wishing her a Very Happy Birthday and shall endeavour to seek due recognition for her by writing to media channels and newspapers highlighting her work. I am sure AK you will permit reference of this blog which will be very enlightening, as most her hit/popular songs are assumed to be Lata’s.
Secondly, government awards may not be easy to come by, but now we have Filmfare, Stardust, Screen, IFFA etc – at least one of them could be influenced ? It would be worth a spirited effort to see one of these, honouring her in front of millions of TV audience !
Namaskaar everyone, I am Shashika from S.Africa and now settled in Mumbai for my singing. I ALWAYS LOVED SUMANJI and wondered what happened to her. There is a song Meri Puja Na Tukrana which is not to be found nowadays which I used to sing in my younger days. I am sad to learn that she has not been duly awarded for her singing and definitely I want to be part of the team that makes sure she gets her due credit. Oh I would love to meet her, she is for me the epitome of Mother Saraswathi.
In an upload on YT, http://youtu.be/0AwQCgomB_M, following update can be seen, on the occsion of her birthday:
“On Tuesday, in the run-up to her 75th birthday, veteran playback singer Suman Kalyanpur will be felicitated by the Saraswat Cultural Forum.
The event conceived, authored and compered by Mangala Khadilkar will start at Tilak Smarak Mandir in the city at 7 pm. The function is being organized under the umbrella of the Mumbai-based Kanara Saraswat Association.”
I am an old timer with an uncommon taste of things. I saw movies till 1970 where after nothing was needed as I remain absorbed in this arena. Suman Kalyanpur, Roshan, Madhubala and Sahir are my favorite artists.
I am quite emotive about Suman. There is a lot of information on her rivalry with Lata. But the ladies have refrained from the popular belief. Suman’s voice is humane while I feel Lata sings like a machine without any mistake ! You will feel emotions working in Sumans voice.
I appreciate this wonderful blog where you will find almost all the under dogs who have fascinated you but otherwise they are not seen much.
I have to request this authoritative and knowledgable blogger to write sections on Bharat Bhushan and Shakila. His forceful writing may bless us with the informaion we have been longing for.
Welcome Sharmaji,
You will find a lot of like minded people here. Thanks a lot for you kind words. My interest is music and music personalities primarily. But I would keep your request about Bharat Bhushanand Shakeela in mind to cover them at some approriate time.
Sumanji is no doubt a good singer.But she cannot be compared with Lataji.Sumanji has at times vibrations in her voice. Lataji is 100% perfect.One cannot find any flaw in her voice.Once the Lata-Rafi conflict was resolved,music directors preferred Lata-Rafi duets in stead of the former jodi. So let us enjoy songs sung by Sumanji withour comparing her with Lataji.
I have utmost regards to what Kiranji has said. AK’s modest attitude has touched my heart. AK, I solicit your personal feelings about what is so special in Ghulam Mohammed’s music that I feel he is unique among the Bollywood lot. I feel you can create a great profile on him.
And well why a blogger with the talents of AK would keep a low profile for himself. I want to know more about you, dear AK.
Wish you glory and your blog more popularity.
Sharmaji,
Thanks a lot for your very kind words. By God’s grace and good wishes of people like you. SoY has attracted a large number of very committed and knowledgeable followers.
I entirely agree with you on Ghulam Mohammad. What a coincidence that in my most recent post on Talat Mohammad-Asha Bhsole duets I mentioned about him that he was senior to Naushad in the industry, and getting paid more. Ironically he had to become Naushad’s assistant. It is said that many of Naushad’s famous songs were composed by him, which might be possible. At least some of Talat Mahmood’s best songs are composed by him. SoY would surely have more on him. It is a huge ocean. While I have some structure in mind, but by and large I am doing whatever takes my fancy.
I am gratified that you want to know about me. I have sent you a mail.
Suman is a good singer but LATA is far ahead than suman in quality of voice , technique in everything. I can clearly differentiate LATA’s and suman’s voice. I wonder how people get confused? There is no similarity at all!
SK singing NAZAR KA MIL KE JHUK JAANA for shakila in NEELI AANKHEN (1962).
http://youtu.be/9Sf0vyregP0
I stumbled on your blog quite by chance and I am glad that I did.Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Here is a Suman Kalyanpur rarity that I really love “Man Gaye Woh Tarana” from Chalaak (1973) with music by Ganesh and filmed on actress Alka.
YouTube link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJUU1C_iAjU.
How about a write up on Mala Sinha, much underrated actress who is yet to be honoured with the Padma award.
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