Suman Kalyanpur: A Legacy of Marathi Music and Versatility Suman Kalyanpur, the celebrated Marathi singer, passed away at the age of 89, marking the end of an era in Indian music. Born on 28 January 1937 in Dhaka, then part of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), she hailed from a family deeply rooted in music. Her father, Shankar Rao Hemadri, and mother, Sita Bai, were instrumental in nurturing her early talent. Suman’s journey began in her childhood, where her home became a hub for artistic expression, with visits from notable figures like playwrights Mohan G. Rangnekar and Keshav Rao Bhosle. Her musical education started under the guidance of Yashwant Dev, who introduced her to film music. Despite initial challenges, her voice captivated composer Muhammad Shafi, who cast her in his film Mangoo, marking her debut. Suman’s versatility shone through as she mastered multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, and Marathi. Her repertoire spanned ghazals, bhajans, and film songs, earning her a reputation as a multifaceted artist. In the 1950s, Suman entered a competitive music scene dominated by legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Yet, she carved her niche by delivering soulful performances that resonated with audiences. Her Marathi songs, such as Rimzim Zharate Shraavan Dhara and Omkar Pradhan Rup Ganeshacha, became classics. She also contributed to Hindi cinema, with notable works like Mangoo and Kala. Suman’s contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the State Best Supporting Actress Award for Marathi cinema and the Lata Mangeshkar Award in 2010. Her autobiography, Suman Sugandh, published in 2009, chronicled her life and career, authored by noted writer Mangala Khadilkar.#suman_kalyanpur #shankar_rao_hemadri #sita_bai #mohan_g_rangnekar #kesav_rao_bhosle
Suman Kalyanpur: A Voice That Shaped Indian Music Passes Away The Indian music world mourns the loss of Suman Kalyanpur, a revered playback singer whose career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on both Marathi and Hindi film music. The 89-year-old artist, who passed away in Mumbai at her residence, is remembered for her melodious voice and contributions to classical and devotional music. Her death has sparked widespread grief, with tributes pouring in from across the country. Kalyanpur, who was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2023, is celebrated as a cultural icon whose work continues to resonate with audiences. Born on January 28, 1937, in Bhavanipur, then part of undivided India (now Bangladesh), Kalyanpur’s journey in music began in her youth. Her early passion for singing led her to study the craft extensively. Before marriage, she performed under the stage name "Suman Hemmadi," which became synonymous with her early career. Her breakthrough came when she caught the attention of legendary ghazal maestro Talat Mahmood. During a public event, Mahmood was so moved by her voice that he invited her to sing for his upcoming film, marking the start of her successful career in cinema. Kalyanpur’s first notable song, "Koi Pukare Dheirese Tujhe Aankh Kе Tare," showcased her unique ability to blend emotion with melody, earning her immediate recognition. While she did not focus on classical or theatrical music, her compositions often incorporated intricate classical elements, earning her the prestigious Tansen Prize for her song "Man Mohan Man Me Ho Tumhi." Her versatility extended beyond Hindi and Marathi; she sang in numerous regional languages including Bengali, Odia, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Kannada, and Bhojpuri.#suman_kalyanpur #talat_mahmood #padma_bhushan #bhavanipur #tansen_prize
