Date: June 1, 2026
Yesterday, on May 31, 2026, India lost one of its sweetest voices. Suman Kalyanpur, the veteran playback singer often called “the other Lata,” passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a timeless repertoire that defined the golden era of Indian cinema
Born Suman Hemmadi on January 28, 1937, in Dhaka (then British India), she belonged to a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin family with roots in Hemmadi village, Udupi district, Karnataka. Her family moved to Mumbai in 1943, where her musical talent blossomed. She began with college performances and All India Radio before making her film debut in the mid-1950s
A Career of Pure Melody
Active primarily from the 1950s to the 1980s, Suman recorded over 850 Hindi songs and thousands more across languages including Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Punjabi, and others. She collaborated with legends like Mohammed Rafi (over 140 duets), Naushad, S.D. Burman, and O.P. Nayyar.8dadeb
Iconic tracks include:
Na Tum Humen Jano (Baat Ek Raat Ki)
Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhi Se (Jab Jab Phool Khile)
Mere Sang Ga (Janwar)
Aaj Huna Aaye Balma and many evergreen duets.
Her voice, remarkably similar to Lata Mangeshkar’s in tone and clarity, often led to comparisons that both blessed and limited her. While she earned immense respect, the “Lata monopoly” era meant fewer lead assignments than her talent deserved
Recognition and Roots
Late honours brought some justice: Padma Bhushan (2023), Lata Mangeshkar Award (2009), and Maharashtra’s recognition for her soulful bhavgeets. She remained reclusive in later years, painting and cherishing family life.
Her Karnataka connection — through her father’s Udupi roots — adds a special resonance in Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka, where her voice still echoes in classical and devotional circles.
Suman Kalyanpur represented grace, discipline, and understated excellence in an industry that often rewarded visibility over substance. As tributes pour in, her songs remain a gentle reminder of melody’s power to transcend generations.
Rest in peace, Sumanji. Your voice will continue to soothe souls for decades to come.
