June 1: Veteran playback singer and Padma Bhushan awardee Suman Kalyanpur, widely admired for her melodious contributions to Hindi, Marathi, and Odia cinema, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a rich legacy that spanned more than six decades.
Born in Maharashtra, Suman Kalyanpur began her musical journey in the early 1950s with Marathi films such as Shukrachi Chandni and Mangu (1954). Over the years, she went on to establish herself as one of India’s most versatile playback singers, lending her voice to more than 850 films across multiple languages.
In Hindi cinema, she is remembered for several evergreen classics, including “Sharaabi Sharaabi Yeh Saawan Ka Mausam,” “Aajkal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche,” “Na Na Karte Pyaar,” “Na Tum Hamein Jaano,” and “Parbaton Ke Pedon Par.” Her soulful duets, especially those with legendary singer Mohammed Rafi, continue to be cherished by music lovers across generations.
Suman Kalyanpur also made a notable contribution to Odia cinema, where her voice enriched several acclaimed films such as Gapa Hele Bi Sata, Chilika Tire, and Samaya. Her renditions earned her immense appreciation from Odia audiences and firmly established her as a beloved voice in regional cinema as well.
Known for her smooth, emotive singing style and remarkable versatility, she effortlessly bridged linguistic and cultural boundaries, becoming a significant figure in India’s playback singing tradition.
Her passing marks the end of an era in Indian music. The industry, including the Odia film fraternity, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a legendary artist whose voice continues to resonate through timeless melodies.
Suman Kalyanpur’s contribution to Indian music remains immortal, with her songs continuing to inspire and move listeners across generations.
