Veteran Playback Singer Suman Kalyanpur Passes Away At 89
Veteran Playback Singer Suman Kalyanpur Passes Away At 89
Mumbai, June 1, 2026: Indian music has lost one of its most cherished voices with the passing of veteran female playback singer Suman Kalyanpur at the age of 89. She breathed her last at her residence in Mumbai.
Known for her melodious, soulful voice, Kalyanpur carved a unique place in the hearts of music lovers across generations. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from people across various fields.
Kalyanpur was born on January 28, 1937, in Bhawanipur in the then undivided India (now in Bangladesh). Suman Kalyanpur developed a passion for music at an early age and received formal classical training.
It was Talat Mahmood who brought her to the industry when he heard her performing at a public event and was totally impressed by her talent.
Kalyanpur has sung across various languages and made significant contributions to Marathi bhavgeet, devotional music and Hindi film songs. She sang thousands of songs in multiple languages, including Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Odia, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani and Kannada. She was a versatile singer who sang across genres such as ghazals, thumris, devotional songs and film music.
From the playful charm of “Na Na Karte Pyar” (Jab Jab Phool Khile, 1965) and the heartfelt longing of “Ajhun Na Aaye Baalma” (Saanjh Aur Savera, 1964) to the gentle romance of “Na Tum Humein Jaano” (Baat Ek Raat Ki, 1962) and the lively “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche” (Brahmachari, 1968), Suman Kalyanpur won the hearts of listeners with her sweet, clear and effortless singing style. Her pure voice and graceful delivery made her one of the most admired singers of her time.
Known for the classical depth in her singing, she received the prestigious Tansen Award for the song “Man Mohan Man Mein Ho Tumhi.”
Among her most beloved Marathi songs are “Jithe Sagara Dharani Milte,” “Ghal Ghal Pinga Varya,” “Nimbonichya Zadamage Chandra Zopla,” “Kashi Gavalan Radha Bavrali,” and “Navika Re Vara Vahe Re.” Her devotional and bhavgeet repertoire, including “Keshava Madhava,” “Julalya Surel Tara,” and “Jethe Jato Tethe,” continues to resonate with listeners.
The Government of India honoured her with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2023.
