Mumbai: Legendary playback singer Suman Kalyanpur, celebrated for her melodious voice and timeless contributions to Indian cinema, breathed her last on Sunday evening, May 31, 2026, at her residence in Lokhandwala Complex, Mumbai. She was 89 years old. According to close associates, she passed away peacefully due to age-related health issues.
Over the last few days, the veteran artiste had been listening to her own songs, as shared by Mangala Khadilkar, author of the acclaimed Marathi biography Suman Sugandh.
A Voice That Enchanted Generations
Born Suman Hemmady on January 28, 1937, in Dhaka (then undivided India), Suman Kalyanpur began her journey in playback singing in the 1950s. Her career took off with films like Shukrachi Chandni and Mangu (1954). She quickly established herself as one of the most versatile and soulful voices in Hindi and Marathi cinema, often noted for her vocal resemblance to Lata Mangeshkar, yet carving a distinct identity of her own.
Some of her most memorable songs that continue to resonate with audiences include:
- Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche
- Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se
- Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye
- Sharaabi Sharaabi Yeh Saawan Ka Mausam
- Na Tum Hamein Jaano
- Parbaton Ke Pedon Par
- Nimbonichya Zhaada Maage
Her popular duets with Mohammed Rafi remain fan favourites even today. Beyond Hindi films, Suman Kalyanpur lent her voice to numerous songs in Marathi, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Kannada, and other regional languages. She was equally admired for her bhajans, ghazals, thumris, Marathi abhangs, and bhavgeets.
Tributes Pour In
The news of her passing has deeply saddened the music fraternity and fans across the country. Several prominent personalities expressed their condolences:
Sharad Pawar, senior NCP leader, said: “The news of the passing of Suman Kalyanpur is extremely heartbreaking. With her sweet, melodious, and soul-stirring voice, she enriched the world of Indian music… I offer my heartfelt tribute to her.”
Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing her voice as one that “ruled the hearts of music lovers for more than six decades.” He highlighted her Padma Bhushan honour and the invaluable treasure her songs represent.
A Remarkable Life in Music
Suman Kalyanpur trained under renowned gurus including Pt. Keshavrao Bhole, Ustad Khan Abdul Rehman Khan, and Master Navrang. Initially inclined towards painting (she studied at Sir J.J. School of Art), music became her true calling after completing schooling at St. Columba’s in Mumbai. She married businessman Ramanand Kalyanpur in 1958 and is survived by her daughter, Charu Agny.
With her demise, Indian music has lost yet another stalwart from the golden era, coming shortly after the passing of Asha Bhosle. Suman Kalyanpur’s legacy of sweetness, emotional depth, and versatility will continue to live on through her immortal melodies.
Approach Bollywood offers its deepest condolences to her family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.
