Veteran singer Suman Kalyanpur, renowned for her soulful voice and distinguished playback singing career, passed away on Sunday due to age-related health complications. She was 89.
She had recorded songs across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Angika, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Odia, and Punjabi, showcasing her remarkable versatility.
Her voice was often compared to legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, with many listeners noting the striking similarity in their tonal quality and texture.
Born on January 28, 1937, in Dhaka (then British India), her family relocated to Mumbai in 1943, where she later received formal musical training and went on to build a celebrated career in playback singing.
Some of her most popular songs include Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche, Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se, and Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye, which continue to remain cherished classics.
Paying tribute to her, politician Sharad Pawar wrote on X: “The news of the passing of veteran playback singer Suman Kalyanpur is extremely heartbreaking. With her sweet, melodious, and soul-stirring voice, she enriched the world of Indian music. Her immortal songs in Hindi, Marathi, and numerous other regional languages have reigned supreme over the emotional realms of generations.”
He further added: “With her demise, an era of golden music has drawn to a close. I offer my heartfelt tribute to her and extend my condolences to her family.”
