01 June,2026 11:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Suman Kalyankar (Picture via Instagram)
The Indian music industry is mourning the loss of legendary playback singer Suman Kalyanpur, who passed away at the age of 89 in Mumbai. Known for her melodious voice and timeless songs, the Padma Bhushan awardee leaves behind a rich musical legacy that spanned several decades and multiple languages. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, fellow artistes, and admirers across the country.
Suman Kalyanpur was celebrated for evergreen classics such as Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche, Na Na Karte Pyaar Tumhin Se, Na Tum Hamein Jaano, and numerous Marathi favourites. Her voice, often compared to that of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, helped her carve a unique place in Indian music during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. She also recorded devotional songs, ghazals, bhajans, and tracks in several regional languages.
Among those paying tribute was veteran politician Sharad Pawar, who described her passing as a deeply emotional loss for the country's cultural landscape. In his message, he said the singer's "sweet, melodious, and soul-stirring voice" enriched Indian music and touched generations of listeners. He added that with her demise, "an era of gold in the realm of Indian classical and light music has drawn the curtain," while extending condolences to her family.
Member of Parliament Supriya Sule also shared a heartfelt note remembering Kalyanpur's contribution to Marathi and Hindi music. She praised the singer's "honeyed voice" and highlighted beloved songs such as Nimboni Chya Zadamage, Are Sansar Sansar, and Rimjhim Jharati Shravandhara. Sule wrote that many of Kalyanpur's songs continue to resonate deeply with listeners and said her passing marked the fading of "a radiant star" from the world of music.
Born as Suman Hemmady in 1937, Kalyanpur initially pursued painting before dedicating herself to music. Trained under renowned gurus, she went on to become one of the most respected playback singers in India and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2023. Her collaborations with Mohammed Rafi remain particularly cherished among music lovers.
As news of her passing spread, fans flooded social media with memories of her songs and celebrated her remarkable contribution to Indian music. Many described her as one of the most underrated voices of her generation, while others recalled how her timeless melodies formed the soundtrack of countless lives. Though Suman Kalyanpur is no longer with us, her music will continue to echo through generations of listeners.
