Guest article by Dr Rajesh Deshpande as a tribute of the last of doyens of playback singing of the Golden Era
(When Suman Kalyanpur passed away recently, I suddenly felt that with her the last link with the Golden Era of playback singing is gone. She was a tragic figure, the similarity of her voice with Lata Mangeshkar was both a curse and boon for her. Curse, because when original was available, why go for a duplicate! And boon, because when the mighty Mangeshkar had her famous spats with all and sundry because of her own hubris, Suman Kalyanpur got a chance to sing some exquisite songs. I thought SOY had to write a tribute on her. I did not have the same urge when Asha Bhosle passed away a couple of months earlier, because she had created her own niche, and there were a good number of articles on her on SOY thanks to some of her inveterate fans.
I realised Suman Kalyanpur had tremendous respect in Marathi music. And some Marathi knowing person can do proper justice to her. I am happy to say that Dr Deshpande accepted my request to write a guest article on her. Her work is so vast that it was not possible to fit into one article. He proposes to write two articles, one on solos and the other on duets.
As the SOY readers are aware, Dr Deshpande is a pathologist by profession and works in a healthcare MNC, based out of Bombay. Thank you Dr Deshpane for a superb article on Suman Kalyanpur. – AK)
Within two months of the passing away of Asha Bhosle, we lost another illustrious singer who mesmerised us with her golden voice since the 50s. Suman Kalyanpur, the last pillar of the golden era of Hindi film music left for heavenly abode on May 31, 2026 at the age of 89 due to age-related ailments.
Looks like Sundays have been bringing us the sad news as all the 3 queens of melody (Lata, Asha and Suman) passed away on a Sunday. A singer par excellence, Suman Kalyanpur’s career began in 1954, peaked in the 60s and she retired in 80s, having sung in Hindi, Marathi and other regional languages.
She was born as Suman Hemmady on 28 January 1937 in Kolkata. The family moved to Dhaka and then to Mumbai, where they finally settled. Besides music, she was also interested in painting and got admission in the Sir J. J. School of Arts for higher studies. She received primary training in music from family friend and composer Keshavrao Bhole. She later took professional training from Navrang Nagpurkar and Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan. She got an opportunity to sing for a Marathi film Shukrachi Chandani, which unfortunately got shelved. However, composer Mohammad Shafi had heard her singing during the recording and offered her songs for the film Mangu (1954). Her first release was Darwaza. She also sang a few lines uncredited for the film version of the song Mohabbat kar lo jee bhar lo of Aar Paar under OP Nayyar.
Her career slowly took off with songs from Bulo C Rani, Chitragupt, S N Tripathi and other composers of low-budget and B-grade films. Being immensely talented and versatile, she proved her worth in song after song. However, she remained often underrated and under recognized. And that was because of the uncanny resemblance of her voice to that of Lata Mangeshkar’s. The vocal similarity to Lata was extraordinary, leading to many of her popular songs being attributed to the senior singer. Often the composers were looking at her as Lata’s replacement. This similarity was both a boon and bane to her.
Boon, because she got to sing more songs and many excellent ones as Lata was either unavailable, unaffordable or was involved in tiffs and rifts. Her career took off from 1960 onwards with 1961-62 having many superlative Suman solos. The mid-60s was her career’s best period, especially with her becoming the duet partner of Mohd. Rafi. Lata had stropped singing with Rafi due to their dispute over royalty. Even top composers offered her songs.
Bane, because the composers always preferred the senior or original. Once the Rafi-Lata dispute ended, they dropped Suman, returning to the Lata fold. Still, Suman, in her own quiet dignified way, continued with her career singing with sincerity and loyalty without expressing any disappointment or resentment. She never received the credit she deserved and often found that her songs had been dropped from the records or not picturized. Her career started sliding down from mid-70s and she decided to call it a day in the 80s after being sidelined and disillusioned.
An introvert and recluse, she remained away from public memory for the next couple of decades. It was Mangala Khadilkar, a Marathi media anchor and author, who brought Suman back into limelight with a biography on her – “Suman Sugandh”. She also motivated the legendary singer to participate in stage functions, concerts, interviews etc., bringing her back into the public eye.
Suman’s contributions and achievements were also recognized by the Government through the Padma Bhushan Award. She also received the Lata Mangeshkar award, Ga Di MA award etc.
A tribute to this great singer and wonderful personality by listing her solos for different music composers:
1. Mohammad Shafi:
Koi pukare dheere se tujhe – Mangu (1954) L: Saba Afghani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHfOTzEFnYQ&list=RDSHfOTzEFnYQ
This beautiful lori song has the distinction of being her first recorded film song. Mohammad Shafi got her to sing 3 songs for this film. However, he opted out of the film and O P Nayyar came in as the composer. This lullaby, confidently sung by Suman, remained in the film.
2. Nashad (Shaukat Dehlvi):
Chhute tumse to lo hum sabse nata – Darwaza (1954) L: Majrooh Sultanpuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2IW_KQTWlE&list=RDH2IW_KQTWlE
Though her first recorded song was for Mangu, Darwaza was released first. The first song that she sang for Darwaza was a duet with Talat Mehmood, who was impressed with her singing at a function and had recommended her to HMV.
She had two solos in the film. This song stands out for her soulful singing, in a style similar to Lata’s.
3. Suresh Talwar:
Meri preet mera pyar – Teerthyatra (1958) L: Anjaan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qnkA_d_No4&list=RD7qnkA_d_No4
Suman does full justice to this beautiful composition with her energetic singing. The song was quite popular.
4. Ramchandra:
Sanwariya re apni Meera ko bhool na jana – Aanchal (1960) L: Pradeep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDjmW-iOJfY&list=RDXDjmW-iOJfY
C Ramchandra did not use Suman much, even after his split from Lata. This is a dual version song, a happy and a sad version. Both the songs are sung beautifully by Suman. From the music as well as the singing style, it does appear that CR must have composed the song with Lata in mind.
5. SD Burman:
Chhodo chhodo mori baiyan – Miya Biwi Razi (1960) L: Shailendra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZyY3wD19Ew&list=RDMZyY3wD19Ew
Though one instantly remembers Na tum hamein jaano when we talk of SD Burman -Suman association, Chhodo chhodo mori baiyan is their first song together. Of course, Na tum hamein jano is a wonderful song which is considered as her most popular number. Yet, this song has been sung beautifully by her, bringing forth all the requisite expressions and nuances, especially since it required her to sing in a manner different from her usual style. The song is quite enjoyable.
6. Sardar Malik:
Likh de piya ka naam – Saranga (1960) L: Bharat Vyas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqg85b4GS2Q&t=1s
The film has other popular songs, yet Suman is able to make her presence felt with this solitary number which has an excellent tune. She has sung it really well, bringing out the right emotions.
7. Dattaram:
Beete huye din kuchh aise hi hain – First Love (1961) L: Gulshan Bawra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERIqO9cSqws&list=RDERIqO9cSqws
Dattaram and Suman came together for the first time with Kala Aadmi (1960). This song from First Love is an excellent composition and is a beautifully rendered song which leaves a long-lasting impact. Other notable songs by this duo include Kyun uda jaata hai aanchal from Shriman Satyawadi (1960), Itne bade jahaan mein from Dark Street (1961) and Sunle Bapu ye paigham from Baalak
8. S Mohinder:
Jhoom ke piya ki gali aaji main – Jai Bhawani (1961) L: Gopal Singh Nepali
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isPgiAGeV1I&list=RDisPgiAGeV1I
A perfect example of a wonderful song in a B-grade film. Suman comes up trumps with a perfect rendition making the song memorable. S. Mohinder is able to bring out the best of her singing.
9. Ghulam Mohammad:
Dil gham se jal raha hai jale – Shama (1961) L: Kaifi Azmi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtLP3DXE7bE&list=RDGtLP3DXE7bE
A beautiful melancholic composition by Ghulam Mohammad which has Suman singing for Nimmi. She has been able to convey the pathos excellently. The song was and is quite popular and contributed to the upward graph of the singer.
10. Babul:
Ye phoolon ka gajra ye mera singar– Sara Jahaan Hamara (1961) L: Anjum Jaipuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqor3md9GeU&list=RDlqor3md9GeU
The composer may be small-time and the film may be a low-budget one, but the music and Suman’s rendition make it a top class number. Her singing is flawless and endearing, ranking it among her best. The beats and the rhythm contribute to make it a charming song
11. Chitragupt:
Main hoon akeli kis kisko samjhaun – Main Shadi Karne Chala (1962) L: Majrooh Sultanpuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag-eG24HSKQ&list=RDag-eG24HSKQ
A simple catchy tune, rendered effortlessly by Suman. The song is pleasing to the ears. The video is not available but possibly, a dance number. Chitragupt offered her couple of duets in 1955 after her singing debut in 1954. Since then, she continued singing for him. Suman did a great rendition of a mujra song Dagabazi piya tere dil mein hai in Aulad (1968) for Chitragupt.
12. Shankar-Jaikishan:
Juhi ki kali meri ladli – Dil Ek Mandir (1963) L: Shailendra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAdcqn3CezM&list=RDeAdcqn3CezM
Suman sang under SJ for the first time in Dil Ek Mandir. She joined Rafi in a duet due to the Lata-Rafi rift. SJ also gave her two solos. This sweet little number centers around a child and has interesting lyrics of poetic imagery. Suman has sung it beautifully in her own style and in a voice that doesn’t sound like Lata. The song leaves its impact despite two popular Lata solos.
13. Roshan:
Yunhi dil ne chaha tha rona rulana – Dil Hi To Jai (1963) L: Sahir Ludhiavi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RIA5Ew88K4&list=RD7RIA5Ew88K4
The song shares the tune with the duet from the film – Chura le na tumko but stands tall on its own. Sahir’s lyrics of unrequited love, which were apparently based on his personal pain, are converted into a beautiful composition by Roshan perfectly complemented by Suman’s excellent singing.
14. Pandit Shivram:
Apne piya ki main to bani re saanwariya – Kan Kan Mein Bhagwan (1963) L: Bharat Vyas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0fBZBI14wk&list=RDJ0fBZBI14wk
Another hit song from a small-=budget film and lesser-known composer. The song boasts of some nice lyrics and showcases Suman’s excellent expressions and versatility.
15. Snehal Bhatkar:
Haal-e-dil unko sunana tha – Fariyad (1964) L: Kidar Sharma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX3wIref6Uo&list=RDBX3wIref6Uo
A classic composition, with wonderful music and lyrics meriting special appreciation. This can be counted as one of her best songs. She has delivered her best here with the right expressions and perfect rendition.
16. Khayyam:
Bujha diye hain khud apne hathon – Shagun (1964) L: Sahir Ludhianvi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Vn-c90Cq0&list=RDG5Vn-c90Cq0
This can be termed as one of her best sad songs. Suman conveys the pathos and helplessness through her voice brilliantly. Sahir’s lyrics and Waheeda Rehman’s acting complement Suman’s excellent rendition. Jo humpe guzarti hain from Mohabbat Isko Kehte Hain (1965) is another lovely song composed by Khayyam for Suman.
17. Jani Babu Qawwal
Mere Mehboob na ja – Noor Mahal (1965) L: Saba Afghani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6qdlcfvLdk&list=RD-6qdlcfvLdk
One of her most popular and known songs; it is one of the best haunting songs of Hindi films, though part of an utterly incoherent film. Suman has sung with the right amount of emotion and is in perfect control as the song also has high and low octaves and silences.
18. Kalyanji-Anandji:
Kya hai is bansuriya mein jo mujh mein nahin hai – Geet (1970) L: Prem Dhawan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSypyvKcVP8&list=RDkSypyvKcVP
A nice stage song depicting Radha’s love for Krishna. Suman is able to effectively express her passionate feelings in a sensitive way. Kalyanji-Anandji offered songs to Suman intermittently in the 60s. right from Satta Bazar (1959). She first sang for Kalyanji in Post Box 999 (1958). Most popular were the duets she sang for them.
19. Usha Khanna:
Paani mein jale mora gora badan – Munimji (1972) L: Hasrat Jaipuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKTjd1c_4_A&list=RDFKTjd1c_4_A
A perfect example of her versatility, she could carry off this sensual number effortlessly. Usha Khanna gave her many songs, both solos and duets. Aye Zindagi ke saathi (Fareb 1968), Barkha bairan (Sabak 1973) and the two songs from Dada (1978) – Allah karam karna and Humne mana humpe saajan were quite popular.
20. Bappi Lahiri:
Saathi mere saathi – Veerana (1988) L: Indivar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oQL3qU1hZE&list=RD4oQL3qU1hZE
This is her last released hindi film solo. A well-sung haunting number in a Ramsay horror film. This may not feature in anyone’s Suman Songs list, but I like the song. It was indeed a pleasant surprise to hear her voice when this film was released. It is indeed unfortunate that the composers sidelined her after the 70s, leading to her retirement.
Some names could not be covered as the list was becoming too long. She sang solos for some top composers like Naushad, RD Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal but those songs did not become too popular.
The discussion of Suman Kalyanpur solos is incomplete without the mention of her Marathi songs. Specially for us Maharashtrians but even for fans from other regions, her film and non-film Marathi songs constitute a vast priceless treasure of melody, which continue to be popular and mesmerise us even today,
Concluding this tribute with five of my favorite Marathi songs:
21. Vasant Pawar:
Are sansar sansar – Manini (1961) L: Bahinabai Chaudhari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rQ9OUQzm0k&list=RD-rQ9OUQzm0k
Suman Kalyanpur does a soulful rendition of this classic song penned by renowned poetess of Maharashtra, Bahinabai Chaudhari. The profound metaphorical lyrics appear so simple yet touching in Suman’s voice.
22. Vasant Prabhu:
Jithe sagara dharni milte – Putra Vhava Aisa (1961) L: P. Sawalaram
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3-vtWptq4Y&list=RDw3-vtWptq4Y
One of my top favorites of Suman’s songs, it has become iconic over the years. Perfect amalgamation of top-notch lyrics, music and singing.
23. Shrinivas Khale:
Deva daya tujhi ki hi – Bolki Bahuli (1961) L: GD Madgulkar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoizSjLl6R4&list=RDDoizSjLl6R4
A song of gratitude towards the Almighty, Suman sings with utmost compassion reflecting unexpected happiness, attributed to divine intervention.
24. Sudhir Phadke:
Kashi karu swagata – Mumbaicha Jawai (1970) L: GD Madgulkar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59eBDF0ylWA&list=RD59eBDF0ylWA
A popular evergreen song! The excellent rendition effectively conveys of the anticipated diffidence and joy of a new bride awaiting her husband’s arrival. This film was remade in Hindi as Piya Ka Ghar. The corresponding Hindi song was Piya ka ghar hai ye sung by Lata.
25. N. Datta:
Nimboni chya jhadamage chandra – Bala Gau Kashi Angai (1977) L: Madhusudan Kalelkar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEqmlWMU0Gw&list=RDmEqmlWMU0Gw
This should be her most successful Marathi song of the late 70s. She sang many Hindi songs for N. Datta but this one stands out for her soulful rendition and popularity.
Suman Kalyanpur has left behind a wonderful legacy of immortal songs which will continue to be heard and enjoyed for years to come.
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