Veteran playback singer Suman Kalyanpur’s sad demise on 31st May was a shock to her fans. And it was just after we were all still mourning Asha Bhosle’s passing away.
Suman Kalyanpur’s non-film Hindi songs were a less explored territory for me and I enjoyed listening to the wonderful songs, mainly ghazals for the first time. It was like a hidden treasure for me.
But her Hindi and Marathi film songs were the most celebrated aspects of her career.
As I had just finished Asha Bhosle posts covering her association with the leading actresses of Hindi cinema, I worked on the same lines for Suman Kalyanpur.
Barring the prominent exceptions of Nargis and Madhubala, Suman Kalyanpur sang for almost all the actresses of Hindi cinema.
Her career was initially restricted to low budget and so called B grade films, so her association with the prominent actresses of Hindi cinema was seen mainly in the 60s which was perhaps the most busy period of her Hindi film career. I was a little confused as to the division of the post in parts. The division as per the first and second rung actresses doesn’t appeal to me. Instead I decided to go chronologically. I compiled a number of songs and if you know me, I would divide it into several parts.
Let’s start today’s part. I won’t reveal how many songs we will have.
But here we go…
1. Din Ho Ya Raat Hum Dono Rahe Saath – Miss Bombay (1957) with Rafi / Hansraj Behl – Prem Dhawan
After debuting with the film Mangu (1954), Suman Kalyanpur got only a few opportunities as the stalwarts were already on the peak. This song was picturised on Nalini Jaywant and Ajit. Nalini Jaywant was a popular actress in the 40s and the early 50s and was on a slow downfall in the late 50s. This film was also a low budget film, but had good music.
It was Suman Kalyanpur’s first hit in Hindi films. The singers effortlessly sing the high pitched verses. The tune and the catchy rhythm soon grows on you. I couldn’t get a good audio visual song to share, but at least it’s there on YouTube.
2. Ab To Aankh Lad Chuki – Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan (1959) Ravi – Prem Dhawan
Before you typecast Suman Kalyanpur to any genre, listen to this seductive song picturised on Meenu Mumtaz, who’s trying to seduce Rajendra Kumar. Meenu Mumtaz debuted in 1955 and continued as a dancer or in supporting roles throughout the 50s the 60s. Her screen presence was magical and used to steal the show.
Suman Kalyanpur is effortless at high notes, with clear and apt diction. The expressions of seduction and sensuality are there, but no vulgar tones at all. The orchestration of the song supports the aura of the song.
3. Kaun Rang Mungwa – Heera Moti (1959) with Sudha Malhotra / Roshan – Prem Dhawan
Suman Kalyanpur had a long association with Roshan which started in the late 50s and continued till his sudden demise in the 60s. He was one of her main supporters in Hindi films. This is her duet with Sudha Malhotra where Suman Kalyanpur sang for Nirupa Roy. The song perhaps has a Bhojpuri folk base and it portrays a beautiful bond between nanad and bhabhi, played by Shubha khote and Nirupa Roy respectively. The song isn’t very popular, but is one of my favourites.
Nirupa Roy, the prototype of Hindi film mothers of the 70s and 80s which brought her enormous fame and popularity.
She was in Hindi films since the 50s and was in lead roles with a number of established stars like Ashok Kumar, Bharat Bhushan, Balraj Sahni etc.
4. Chhed Na Sajna – Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960) / Kalyanji Anandji – Akhtar Romani
In this song, Suman Kalyanpur sings for my favourite Kumkum, who performs a lawni. Kumkum was a dancer and also worked as a supporting and lead roles in Hindi films, though her lead roles were restricted to the so called B grade films.
There’s a mixture of traditional lawni folk music and Hindi filmy style orchestration in the interludes. The song maintains the typical touch of lawni and Kumkum steals the show with her vivacious screen presence and her facial expressions. Equal credit goes to Suman Kalyanpur for her apt expressions. However she was never popular for lawni songs in Marathi films.
5. Khuli Hai Aankh Magar – Miya Bibi Raazi (1960) / S D Burman – Shailendra
The film was not popular and this beautiful semi classical song remained in the dark. What a pity! The song is a stage singing performance by Seema Deo, who looks very beautiful and her apt expressions elevate the song. Even after rendering such songs in the relatively early part of her career, Suman Kalyanpur didn’t get opportunities with big banners. I think destiny plays a crucial role in everyone’s life in general.
6. Likh De Piya Ka Naam – Saranga (1960) / Sardar Malik – Bharat Vyas
The song is picturised on Jayashree Gadkar, who was a very popular actress in Marathi movies. Her Hindi film career wasn’t very popular and successful, though she played lead roles in mythological and costume dramas.
The film Saranga is mainly remembered for the soulful solos of Mukesh, but Suman Kalyanpur stands out in her only song for the movie. I’m glad I could get a video with good audio quality with no cracking or hoarseness of voice.
7. Kyun Udaa Jaata Hai Aanchal – Shreeman Satyvadi (1960) / Dattaram – Hasrat Jaipuri
Before Suman Kalyanpur got an opportunity to sing for the prestigious Shankar Jaikishan duo, her songs with their assistant, Dattaram were already popular. She was the main female singer in this film and this beautiful solo is indeed a pleasure to watch and to listen to. The joyous yet shy confession of love is expressed well by Suman Kalyanpur.
Shakeela was the leading lady of this movie, who was a good actress, though didn’t always get big banners. Her extensive work in the 50s was largely restricted to fantasy movies, costume dramas and other B grade films. She was opposite Raj Kapoor in this movie, while she was opposite Shammi Kapoor in China Town (1962).
8. Tera Muskurana Bana Ek Fasana – Pyar Ki Dastan (1961) with Rafi / Nashad – Sarvar
Having started her career with the blockbuster movie, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Amita later however didn’t get big banner films and her career too was restricted largely to B grade or low budget films. Her prominent association with Suman Kalyanpur was in Pyar Ki Dastan and Pyase Panchhi. This duet with Rafi was popular during its release.
The song is very catchy and beautifully sung by the singers. It’s a different thing that people tend to judge the quality of a song by the grade of the film, which is somewhat unfair in my opinion.
9. Dil Gham Se Jal Raha Hai – Shama (1961) / Ghulam Mohammed – Kaifi Azmi
One of the most popular actresses of the 50s, Nimmi, experienced stardom and immense popularity. I always tend to associate her with weepy roles, which she perhaps mastered seriously. Even in the film I chose for today’s list, she has only sad songs to her credit. Someday I should look for her happy songs and compile a list!
Suman Kalyanpur sang three sad solos and a sad duet for Nimmi. The solos are actually beautiful ghazals penned by Kaifi Azmi. Her fourth solo forvthis movie was a Mujra picturised on a supporting character.
10. Chand Hai Taare Bhi Hain – Ruplekha (1962) with Rafi / Nashad – Faruq Kaiser
The song is based on Raag Shivranjani and sung beautifully by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur. The aalaps are sung so well. As both of them had training in Indian classical music, it was an advantage for them.
The song is picturised on Vijaya Choudhury and Mahipal. Though Vijaya Choudhury was not a popular actress, the song is so mesmerizing. I just couldn’t ignore it. Besides it would happen so that after more than a decade, Suman Kalyanpur would sing a song for her. Allah Tu Karam Karna from Dada (1978) . It would become very popular.
I will be back soon with the next part.
Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.
