Final moments at her Lokhandwala residence
Veteran playback singer Suman Kalyanpur, whose velvet voice defined the golden era of Hindi cinema, breathed her last on Sunday evening at her Mumbai residence. She was 89. The singer, known for evergreen hits like ‘Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhin Se’, ‘Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye’, and the iconic ‘Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche’, passed away due to age-related health issues.
Author Mangala Khadilkar, who wrote the acclaimed Marathi biography Suman Sugandh, confirmed the news. “Suman ji passed away at around 8 pm at her residence in Lokhandwala due to old age. She passed away peacefully. For the last few days she was listening to her own songs,” Khadilkar told reporters.
A voice that ruled Hindi cinema’s golden age
During an era dominated by the biggest names in playback singing, Kalyanpur carved a distinct space for herself. Her soft, expressive voice became a staple for some of the most memorable romantic numbers of the 1960s and 1970s. Music lovers across generations grew up humming her tunes, and her contribution to Hindi cinema’s golden period remains unmatched.
Beyond Hindi films, the singer showcased her incredible versatility by recording in multiple Indian languages, including Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Assamese, and Odia. Her repertoire also stretched beyond film music to devotional songs, ghazals, and thumris, proving her range as a complete artist.
Last rites and surviving family
According to family sources, Kalyanpur’s last rites will be performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai on Monday between 11:30 am and 12 noon. She is survived by her daughter, Charu. The music industry and countless fans have begun pouring in tributes, remembering the singer whose melodies will never fade.
As the news spreads, social media is flooded with clips of her most beloved songs. Fans are revisiting the magic of ‘Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche’ and other classics that defined a generation. Cinecrazy extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and admirers worldwide. Her voice may have gone silent, but her songs will keep playing in our hearts forever.