Veteran singer Suman Kalyanpur passes away at 89; leaves behind musical legacy

Veteran playback singer Suman Kalyanpur, known for classic hits such as ‘Na ‘Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se’ and ‘Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye’, passed away on Sunday evening at her residence in Mumbai. She was 89.

According to her close friend Mangala Khadilkar, who authored the Marathi biography ‘Suman Sugandh’, the singer died around 8 pm at her Lokhandwala residence due to age-related issues. She reportedly passed away peacefully after spending her final days listening to her own songs.

Kalyanpur rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s with her melodious voice, carving a niche for herself alongside leading singers of the era, including Lata Mangeshkar.

Her popular songs include ‘Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche’, ‘Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se’ and ‘Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye’. She sang across multiple languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Kannada, Bengali and Odia, and was also known for devotional songs, ghazals and thumris.

While often compared to Lata Mangeshkar, Kalyanpur consistently dismissed such comparisons, and in a 2022 interview with PTI, she described Mangeshkar as a close friend. She recalled recording a duet together for the film ‘Chaand’ and spoke warmly of their relationship.

Her last rites will be held at the Pawan Hans crematorium on Monday between 11:30 am and 12 pm. She is survived by her daughter, Charu.