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Hindi film songs

Suman Kalyanpur -A singer who deserved more-Part 2- Her Fabulous Duets

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28th January 1937-31st May 2026

Continuing from Part 1 that had the excellent solo songs of Suman Kalyanpur, I am now writing about her fabulous duets that became even more popular than her solos. As I mentioned in Part 1, most of the duets she sang were due to Lata not singing with Rafi during 1963-67, but one should also note that she sang some evergreen duets with other male singers like Manna  Dey, Mukesh , Talat Mehmood and even with Kishore Kumar  & Mahendra Kapoor though they may be much lesser  in numbers.

Apart from the duets with male playback singers , Suman has rendered very memorable duets with other female singers , including , yes …even with Lata Mangeshkar ( we are totally lost while listening to that song as it is almost impossible to make out the difference!-listed @ number 1 in Section B here). There have been quite a few ‘triad’ songs-in which there are three singers. Suman had been part of some memorable songs that had three singers. I have organized this article in two sections-one having duets with male singers and the other -duets with other female singers & triads.

Selecting few songs  from so many evergreen duets of Suman is a difficult task-I am trying to give a representative list that provides a glimpse of the range that she covered in her songs.

In each section , the song-film-year-music director-lyricist and co-singer(s) are mentioned in that sequence. A note on the YouTube links embedded here-many-a-times the songs that have the video are not allowed to be played in other sites and in some cases the visuals are of poor video-audio quality and so in many songs I have embedded only the audio ones.

Section A -Duets with male playback singers

  1. Na Jane Kahan Tum The – Zindagi Aur Khwab -1961-Dattaram-Kavi Pradeep- Manna Dey

The long-time assistant of Shankar Jaikishan, Dattaram Wadkar composed some outstanding songs as an independent music composer. This is one of Suman’s early duets and with Manna Dey also she has rendered some memorable songs.

2. Tum Jo Aao To Pyar Aa Jaye -Sakhi Robin-1962-Robin Banerjee- Yogesh -Manna Dey

Among the many lesser-known, but highly talented artists in Hindi film music world, Robin Banerjee composed some outstanding sweet melodies. This one , once again a duet Suman sang with Manna Dey can easily be believed to be the work of a top music director!

3. Dil Ek Mandir Hai -Dil Ek Mandir-1963-Shankar Jaikshan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

With the magical team of Rafi and Shankar Jaikishan , Suman had her career best songs. The period of 1963-67 , as known to all music lovers was the ‘rift’ period between Rafi & Lata and it was the most prolific time for Suman . Shankar & Jaikishan were at still at their peak and so you will find many songs from this golden team. Each one a gem and will linger in our memories for a long time.

4. Yeh Kisne Geet Cheda -Meri Surat Teri Ankhen-1963- S D Burman-Shailendra-Mukesh

In a film that had Manna Dey’s evergreen Poocho Na Kaise Maine Rain Bitaayee and Rafi’s soulful Tere Bin Soone Nain Hamare & his classic Nache Man Mora Magan, this delightful duet by Mukesh and Suman remains evergreen. Don’t miss those excellent saxophone, guitar and flute used so well by Burman da.

5. Chura Le Na Tumko Yeh Mausam Suhana-Dil Hi Toh Hai-1963-Roshan-Sahir Ludhianvi-Mukesh

As much as the duets of Suman with Rafi are great, in no lesser are  those with Manna Dey and Mukesh. And when the music is composed by the great Roshan, then what more can we ask?!

The tune has that typical twists  and turns that marks a typical Roshan composition.

6. Tujhe Pyar Karte Hain Karte Rahenge- April Fool-1964- Shankar Jaikshan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

April Fool film had , as usual , many hit songs that is typical of Shankar Jaikishan. This duet was so popular that it was even remade in Tamil as ‘ Naan Malorodu Thaniyaga Yen’ and it became such a super-hit song in Tamil also.

7. Agar Teri Jalwa Numayi Na Hoti-Beti Bete-1964-Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

One more delightful duet from the golden team of Rafi-Suman-SJ.

8. Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye- Rajkumar-1964- Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

The antara in this song has a slow pace that adds so much charm to the song. Suman gives a perfect counter to Rafi’s intricate alaap.

9. Ajhun Na Aaye Baalama Sawan Beeta-Sanjh Aur Savera-1964- Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

I never understood why in old Hindi films, many best classical raag based songs were picturised on comedians and even when they were picturised on heroes, the situation and antics were comical! I would always prefer only listening to such masterpieces and never would like to ‘ watch’ them. Superb singing by both Rafi & Suman. Like I always mention-I am not an expert in identifying the raag , but as per articles in the Net, I understand this is based on Raag Madhuvanti. SJ, when they composed songs with a classical base , combined elements of a film song , embellishing them with their typical orchestration and so most of the times , we get an evergreen song .

10. Parbaton Ke Pedhon Par-Shagoon-1964-Khayyam-Sahir Ludhianvi-Rafi

    Khayyam, in his early days , composed outstanding songs but sadly he never got the recognition he got for comparatively ‘not- that-great’  compositions he did in his later years. Suman has a very sweet voice in this and like in many songs, when we hear her , even when she was singing in her late 30’s , the voice sounded like that of a teenager.

    11. Baad Muddat Ke Yeh Ghadi Aaayi-Jahan Aara-1964-Madan Mohan-Rajendra Krishan-Rafi

      For Madan Mohan, Lata was supreme. And so only during that golden period of Suman, we could get to hear her in a Madan Mohan composition -as such MM had a mastery in solo ghazals and duets were relatively lesser in numbers. This , however , compensates for that lacuna ; the leisurely pace of the song is like a piece of sweet that one would like to relish , enjoying every bite.

      12. Wo Dekho Dekho Dekh Raha Tha Papiha-Fariyad-1964-Kidar Sharma-Mahendra Kapoor

        How about a quirky , somewhat ‘rocking’ number from Suman? It has to be from that lesser-known genius Snehal Bhatkar, known for out-of-the-world compositions. Mahendra Kapoor seems to be the perfect choice for this peppy song.

        13. Thehriye Hosh Mein Aaoon-Mohabbat Isko Kehte Hain-1965-Khayyam-Majrooh Sultanpuri-Rafi

          One more masterpiece from   Khayyam ‘s early days. That Hmmm…mmm rejoinder by both Rafi and Suman to the question ‘ tho chale jaayiyegaa? ’ enhances the beauty of the tune. Once again, we note how sweet Suman’s voice sounds in this.

          14. Na Na Karte Pyaar Tumhi Se-Jab Jab Phool Khile-1965-Kalyanji Anandji-Anand Bakshi-Rafi

            Whenever you select a playlist of Suman’s songs in YouTube this will always be there at the top. Though I have nothing against this , sometimes a song is played/heard so many times that it becomes a bit ‘over-killed’ at the cost of many other great songs of an artist. However I cannot definitely avoid this song in my list also-an iconic duet of Rafi and Suman!

            15. Tumhe Dil Se Chaha-Chand Aur Suraj-1965-Salil Chowdhury-1965-Shailendra-Rafi

              I was under the wrong impressions that Suman had not sung for Salil Chowdhury, until I came across this. There was also a myth that Rafi did not sing for Salil da after the infamous episode during the recording of Tasveer Teri Dil Mein from the film Maya in 1961.

              Maybe a lesser-known song of Salil da , but it definitely has that lilting melody for which he was famous.

              16. Itna Hai Tumse Pyaar Mujhe – Suraj -1966- Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

                One of those songs in which it is very difficult to make out it is Suman and not Lata! The resemblance is so close in this song!

                17. -1967-Naushad-Shakeel Badayuni-Rafi

                  Veteran Naushad ‘s  superb classical based song to Suman during the years when she was the natural alternative for Lata. The film  Palkhi also had some of Naushad’s typical, slow-paced absolute gems for Rafi -Kal Raat Zindagi Se Mulakat and Chehre Se Apni Aaaj To . Suman proves how strong she is in rendering a classical number for the maestro Naushad.

                  18. Tujhe Dekha Tujhe Chaaha – Chhoti Si Mulaqat -1967 – Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

                    It is amazing how SJ could come up with hundreds of such brilliantly orchestrated songs. For admirers of SJ like me, each interlude in their songs are in memory! Whenever Rafi and Suman sang together, it was sheer magic.

                    19. Tumse Ho Haseena Kabhi Mohabbat-Farz-1967-Lakshmikant Pyarelal-Anand Bakshi-Rafi

                      A typical L-P song, that has all the catchy percussion and orchestration they were known for.

                      20. Mera Pyar Bhi Tu Hai-Saathi-1968-Naushad-Majrooh Sultanpuri-Mukesh

                      Normally one would expect Rafi to sing for Rajendra Kumar and that too when the composer is Naushad. This is a rare Mukesh-Suman duet and after decades, Majrooh writes for Naushad. For many years, we might have been thinking this was Lata and not Suman-so close is the resemblance. An evergreen melody , that has Kersi Lord doing the arrangement and that is why in Saathi, all the songs had a very different orchestration as compared to other songs of Naushad.

                      21. Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche – Brahmachari-1968- Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri-Rafi

                      Do we need to say anything about this immortal song? A rocking number from the great Shankar Jaikishan that has their stamp in each and every phrase of the song. Those slight vibratos in Suman’s voice adds a unique charm .

                      22. Jaan Chali Jaaye Jiya Nahin-Anjaana-1969-Lakshmikant Pyarelal-Anand Bakshi-Rafi

                      With beautiful lyrics by Anjaan, this is a melodious duet from L-P . The antara has a brief pause that takes the song to a different level.

                      23. Aaya Na Humko Pyar Jatana -Pehchan-1970- Shankar Jaikishan-Indeevar -Mukesh

                      The piano , string arrangements are superb in this song and like I had mentioned earlier, with Mukesh also  Suman had rendered memorable duets.

                      24. Woh Bade Khushnaseeb Hote Hain -Saazish-1975- Shankar Jaikishan -Hasrat Jaipuri-Mahendra Kapoor

                      Many would not agree with me-I felt some of the ‘so-called’ mediocre songs of Shankar in his later years were definitely good. Look at how soft Mahendra Kapoor renders this-almost sounds like Rafi in many places.

                      Section B -Duets with female playback singers & Triads

                      1. Kabhi Aaj Kabhi Kal Kabhi Parson -Chand-1959- Hemant Kumar-Shailendra-Lata Mangeshkar

                      There are some interesting aspects in this song. First- it could be the only duet of Lata and Suman-one has to listen very keenly to make out the singer. The second aspect is the tune and even interludes are exactly the same as a famous Tamil song Neela Vanna Kannane Unathu Jalam that was composed by T R Papa in 1957 for a film Malika . It gets even more stranger to note that this film Malika was remade as Payal and Hemant Kumar composed the music for that also, with a similar tune ( but not exactly as the one in Chand). It is truly an interesting exercise to dig deep into the old songs for my blogs!

                      2. Garjat Barsat Sawan Aayo Re-Barsat Ki Raat-1960-Roshan-Sahir Ludhianvi-Kamal Barot

                      In 1951 , Roshan composed Garjat Barsat Bheejat Aayilo , sung by Lata , for the film Malhar that was produced by Mukesh. He film flopped but some of the songs in that movie like Bade Armanon Se Rakha Hai became popular. But this particular tune at that time did not make any impact and when Roshan used the same in 1960 , once again for the title song, it became very famous, and it was now a duet and not a solo . I remember clearly the superb prelude of this song was used by Vividh Bharati as the signature tune for their Sangeet Sarita program that featured songs based on classical raagas.

                      3. Hum Khoob Jaante Hain -Kya Dil Mein-Sajan Ki Galiyan-Incomplete film -made in early 60’s -Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri- Rafi & Geeta Dutt ( her part missing)

                      I keep discovery many trivia while writing my blogs! This partial song , was composed for a film Sajan Ki Galiyan and that film was left incomplete. Later , in 1983 , a film called Film Hi Film was made that was about a character trying to make a film with newcomers and the difficulties he faces in that-the lead actor was the famous villain-character actor Pran. This song appeared in this film also. It is a pity that I could not find the full song that might have had  Geeta Dutt’s lines, but I think we can hear her singing along with Suman. That was the only reason I included this.

                      4. Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya- Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya-1966-Sonik Omi-G. L Rawal-Mukesh and Rafi

                      One of the most famous songs of Sonik Omi that also launched their career as independent composers. This is a superb composition that has all the three singers-Rafi , Suman and Mukesh giving their best.

                      5. Woh Pari Kahan Se Laaun-Pehchan-1970- Shankar Jaikishan -Varma Mallik- Mukesh & Sharda

                      A very catchy tune that has the typical SJ style all over, this may not endear to those who are not fans of SJ.  The antara has a quirky feel , which is the uniqueness of this song. It was popular when it was released but slowly must have faded away from memory.

                      6. Yeh Duniya Ke Badaltey Rishtey- Badaltey Rishtey-1978-Lakshmikant Payrelal-Anjaan-Rafi & Kishore

                      This could be one the last memorable songs of Suman , before she finally stopped singing in Hindi films , although she was still active in Marathi film and Non film music. This film also had a Kishore-Suman duet ‘ Tum Chahe Humko Pasand Na Karo, Par Tum Humko Pasand Ho’ but I thought of including the triad Na Jaane Kaise as it is mostly a duet of Kishore & Suman and Rafi , as usual , making a late entry in end of the song.

                      Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:

                      I sincerely thank the publishers of following  Internet sources   for the information that I could gather for this article:

                      1. You Tube
                      2. Wikipedia

                      The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been embedded here   only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. The photograph is taken from the internet, duly recognizing the full copyrights for the same to the  original creator or the site where they were originally displayed .This blog does not claim any copyright over them, which rests with the respective owners of the rights.

                      Hindi film songs

                      Suman Kalyanpur -A singer who deserved more recognition

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                      28th January 1937-31st May 2026

                      Part 1 Her solos

                      I feel very bad for not having written about Suman Kalyanpur much earlier. I have a  huge list that contains the names of great artists yet to be covered in my blogs and I had even thought of writing about her on one or two occasions earlier. Somehow it could not happen and now , sadly, I have to write this as a tribute after she unfortunately left this world on 31st May 2026 , at the age of 89 years.

                      Nature had given her a voice that had a remarkable resemblance to Lata Mageshkar and that turned out to be a blessing and, unfortunately , a curse  also for her. In the early years , when most of the radio channels never announced the name of the singer while playing film songs, her voice was thought to be that of Lata. This resulted in her name not getting the popularity she deserved. Only after the credits were given to singers, people realised that some of the songs they thought was sung by Lata was actually that of Suman Kalyanpur . Fate played a role in giving her a great break between 1963 to 1967 , when Lata did not sing duets with Rafi over that infamous spat over royalty issue. Most of the music directors, who preferred Rafi as the male singer in a duet started offering songs to  Suman as an alternative to Lata. Even discerning listeners , sometimes , cannot make out the difference between Lata and Suman in few songs. They  were so similar in some songs. Once Lata and Rafi started singing together, although this combination became rare , some music composers thankfully gave Suman   few songs now and then. Of course, she was always active in Marathi music-both film and non-film and had made a great name for herself in the Marathi music world.

                      Born at Kolkata , on 28th January 1937 , to Shanker Rao Hemmady and Seeta Hemmady as the eldest among six children, she was three years old when the family shifted to Dhaka. Her father was working in a bank at a senior position. Later, in 1943 they shifted to Mumbai and Suman had her training in music and painting . She completed her studies at St. Columbia High School and pursued her interest in painting at the J J School of Arts. Her initial grooming in music was with her guru Pandit Keshav Rao Bhole-who was associated with the famous Prabhat Film Company of Pune. She also honed her music skills with two other gurus-Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan and Guruji Master Navrang.

                      Like most families those days, an active career in music was not encouraged , but when an opportunity came to her with All India Radio, in 1952, Suman could not refuse. At the same time , she sang for a Marathi film in 1953-Shukrachi Chandini . For the Hindi film Magnu, film maker Sheikh Mukhtar  gave an opportunity to Suman , being impressed with her songs in Shukrachi Chandini. The original music director was Mohammad Shafi and due to some reasons, half-way through the film he was replaced with  O P Nayyar. Out of the three songs she sang, only one -Koi Pukare Dheere Se Tujhe was retained in the film.

                      Despite singing some good songs for the prominent music directors in her early career, luck did not smile upon her . With other singers like Shamsahd Begum, Lata, Asha & Geeta Dutt going strong, it was a struggle for her in the Hindi film industry. Then that infamous rift over the royalty issue  between Rafi sahab and Lata happened in 1963 and that turned out to be a blessing for Suman. Since Rafi & Lata did not sing any duets together during this period, music directors who were determined to have Rafi as the male playback singer, started using Suman for the duets.

                      The unbelievable resemblance of her voice to that of Lata was both a boon and a bane for her. Boon -because she got many memorable duets to sing with the great Rafi sahab and bane because in the days when singers’ name was not announced many times in radio, many wrongly thought it was Lata’s voice. And more sadly, in 1967, when Rafi & Lata started singing together, opportunities for Suman dwindled. However , few music directors like Shankar Jaikishan and Roshan gave her songs, even solos , after 1967 also  and Suman had also made a great name for herself in Marathi films.

                      Even though the number of songs Suman had sung may not be as large as that of Lata or Asha, the percentage of hit songs were very high and so it is again going to be a difficult task for me to select few for this article. I shall break this into two parts-one on  her solos and the other , on her  more popular duets.

                      For a casual listener, it may be a bit difficult to make out the difference between her voice and that of Lata, but when we listen carefully , it is possible to make out the difference. At very high notes, Suman’s voice may not have that razor-sharp precision that Lata had. But that very fact endeared to Suman’s fans as that slight tremor in her voice had its own charm. Added to this , there was a child-like simplicity and sweetness in her voice , with a tinge of sadness. Of course, despite knowing all these factors, in few songs, I have been totally under the false impressions that it was Lata singing, when it was actually Suman. That was the closeness in some songs-God might have had two identical sets of vocal cords with him!!

                      Like many other artists , who, despite being immensely talented ,  remained unrecognized during their times, Suman never got any National award or Filmfare awards in her prime. It was only in 2023, just three years before she passed away, our government conferred the Padma Bhushan award. She was recognized earlier , 2017, by the Madhya Pradesh state government by honouring her with the Lata Mangeshkar Award.

                      Apart from Hindi and Marathi , she sang in other languages like Bengali, Odiya, Assamese , Gujarati , Kannada etc.  Her close associate ,  Mangala Khadilkar , writer and compere, has written a biography on Suman Kalyanpur , titled Suman Sugandh in Marathi.

                      In this first part, I am listing twenty solo songs of Suman, in chronological order of the year of the film in which they featured and have given the song -film-year-music director and lyricist in that order. I shall come out with part 2 with her fabulous duets.

                      1. Koi Pukare Dheere Se-Mangu-1954-Mohammad Shafi-Saba Afghani

                      After singing in Marathi films, Suman got her first chance to sing in Hindi under the music direction of Mohammad Shafi for the 1954 film Mangu. Unfortunately , due to reasons not exactly known, after having recorded three songs in the voice of Suman, the music director was replaced with O P Nayyar  and except for this one song-Koi Pukare Dheer Se , the others were discarded. Still Suman made her mark with this one song and it is a sweet , melodious song.

                      2. Dil gham se jal raha hai-Shama-1961-Ghulam Mohammad-Kaifi Azmi

                      I could not see many hit songs in her early years  ( my own limited knowledge about her could also be a reason) , but it was only in 1961 , that she got a superb song , composed by the veteran Ghulam Mohammad that is remembered even today.

                      3. Beet hue din kuchh aise hi hain -First Love-1961-Dattaram Wadkar-Gulshan Bawra

                      In the same year , we have another gem of a song , by the long-time percussion assistant of Shankar Jaikishan-Dattaram Wadkar , who independently composed some great songs.

                      4. Na tum humein jano na hum tumhe jane-Baat Ek Raat Ki-1962-S D Burman-Majrooh Sultanpuri

                      The year 1962 gave one of Suman’s most famous songs and despite there being a male version sung by Hemant Kumar that was even more popular, Suman’s version also is well-remembered. I do not know if this version is so short-I could get only this in YouTube. As usual S D Burman’s compositions are always great.

                      5. Ab To Lagat Mora Solvwa Saal -Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadaibo-1962-Chitragupt-Shailendra

                      This film was the first ever Bhojpuri film made and had music by the melody master Chitragupt, with the greatest lyricist Shailendra penning some gems like Sonwa Ke Pinjara Mein sung by the one and only Mohammad Rafi . Suman shows her skill in rendering songs in other languages also.

                      6. Apne Piya Ki Main Tho Bani Re Joganiya-Kan Kan Mein Bhagwan-1963-Shivram-Bharat Vyas

                      This song was an eternal favourite of Vividh Bharati in good old days, but I never knew it was composed by a relatively lesser-known music director Shivram. A lilting melody , fast paced and having that unique charm of a sweet-sounding Suman.

                      7. Yun hi dil ne chaha tha-Dil Hi Toh Hai-1963-Roshan-Sahir Ludhianvi

                      I do not have any official statistics on Suman’s songs, but I think among the many music directors , Roshan and Shankar Jaikishan gave her truly great songs. This has that trademark twists and turns in the tune that Roshan is famous for, rendered brilliantly by Suman.

                      8. Juhi Ki Kali Meri Laadli – Dil Ek Mandir-1963-Shankar Jaikishan-Shailendra

                      In a film, otherwise  dominated by Lata and Rafi, this song by Suman ( for a long time I was under the wrong impression this was sung by Lata-the usual mistake when it comes to Suman’s songs|!)  could find its own place for its simple , but catchy tune of SJ.

                      9. Hal-E-Dil  Unko Sunaya Tha-Fariyad-1964-Snehal Bhatkar-Kidar Sharma

                      Snehal Bhatkar composed some out-of-the-world compositions and that is why despite having very few songs in Hindi films, his name is still remembered by film music connoisseurs. This song remains one of  Suman’s most identified songs. The way she has rendered this song , shows her strong training in classical music. She glides over the higher notes with an innate ease .

                      10. Bhuja Diye Hain Khud Apne Hathon-Shagoon-1964-Khayyam-Sahir Ludhianvi

                      It is my personal opinion that Khayyam’s songs in his early years were outstanding , but he never got much fame and after a decade long gap , in 70’s he got much fame , but those songs are not of the class he composed earlier. This one by Suman shows how she can convey the emotions so poignantly. One of my personal favourites.

                      11. Chand Kanwal Mere Chand Kanwal – Sanjh Aur Savera-1964-Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri

                      To be honest, despite being a great fan of Shankar Jaikishan, I had not heard this song -though other songs from this film are well-known. While selecting songs of Suman for this blog, I came across this and it is a pity that songs like this remained in obscurity.

                      12. Mere Sang Ga Gungunaa Koi Geet -Janwar-1965-Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri

                      One more classical gem from Suman and SJ combination. Contrary to the general view that SJ used Suman only for duets with Rafi (when Lata was not singing with him), I find many good solos for her composed by SJ.  

                      13. Mere mehboob na ja-Noor Mahal-1965-Jane Babu Qawwal-Sabah Afghani

                      Although composed & written by relatively lesser-known composer & lyricist, this is one of Suman’s most famous songs. The film was not a great commercial success, and I have intentionally selected a ‘ remastered’ version ( normally I do not prefer them) as the sound quality is much better. Suman had excelled herself in this song by giving out her best in terms of emotions, traversing those high notes and that is why despite being a lengthy song , you feel like listening to it again and again. The haunting melody created by Jane Babu Qawwal and superb lyrics by Sabah Afghani also adds more charm.

                      14. Jo ham pe guzarti hai tanha kise samjhayen- Mohabbat Isko kahte hain-1965-Khayyam-Majrooh Sultanpuri

                      What  I wrote about Khayyam’s early compositions get more validated by songs like this. As much as the tune is so soft and sublime, Suman’s velvety voice equally caresses you like a breeze.


                      15. Sharabi Sharabi Yeh Sawan Ka Mausam-Noor Jehan-1967-Roshan-Shakeel Badayuni

                      One more very popular song of Suman, that has Roshan’s mastery in full flow . Set in raag Kamod with shades of Gaud Malhar also combined so beautifully, at least this song should have fetched her an award. One more unique aspect of this song is the rare combination of Shakeel Badyuni writing for a Roshan composition. Truly a masterpiece that will remain etched in our memory for centuries.

                      16. Chale Ja Chale Ja Chale Ja – Jahan Pyar Mile-1969-Shankar Jaikishan-Hasrat Jaipuri

                      Shankar Jaikishan might have composed the most ‘ tandem songs’ ( a term predominantly used mostly in context of our films songs)-i.e the ones which had at least two different singers singing the same song at two different situations in a film. There is a Rafi version of this song -both are too good , with that typical SJ style orchestration and melody combined.

                      17. Kamdev Jaise Teri Suratiya- Tum Haseen Main Jawan-1970- Shankar Jaikishan-Indeevar

                      If not for this blog, I might have never known about this song! I always keep writing about this aspect-most of the ‘experts’ on Hindi film music, who have a bias against some artists , dismiss the compositions of Shankar Jaikishan in their later years as not good ( they have even used more stronger words!) , but I personally differ from them. It was a myth that got propagated with everyone getting carried away. All the four songs being listed now are from that period of SJ and they break that myth and also one more myth that Shankar kept promoting only Sharada-he has used Suman also in many of his later compositions.

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUcvutAglV4&list=RDxUcvutAglV4&start_radio=118.  Tose Najariya Ladaayi Jawani Haaye -Patanga-1971-Shankar Jaikishan-Neeraj

                      18. Tose Najariya Ladaayi Jawani Haaye -Patanga-1971-Shankar Jaikishan-Neeraj

                      This song is a hidden gem-just observe that way Suman renders this song with a superb alaap in each antara and glides through those high notes ( typical of SJ) so easily.

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Q_-heuvj8&list=RD21Q_-heuvj8&start_radio=119 .  Bezubaan Dil Shor Na Maacha – Door Nahin Manzil-1973-Anjaan

                      19. Bezubaan Dil Shor Na Maacha – Door Nahin Manzil-1973-Anjaan

                      It was a joyful discovery for me , searching for Suman’s solos for this blog-I could find so many rare songs that have completely vanished from our memory. Once again, remember this is from that ‘ so-called’ lean period of SJ-rather Shankar as in 1973 he was plodding along alone. There are two versions of this song-happy and sad- I have provided links to both.

                      Happy version:

                      Sad Version:

                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kopv7M6GLlY&list=RDKopv7M6GLlY&start_radio=120. Behna Ne Bhai Ki Kalayi Se -Resham Ki Dori-1974-Shankar Jaikishan-Indeevar

                      20. Behna Ne Bhai Ki Kalayi Se -Resham Ki Dori-1974-Shankar Jaikishan-Indeevar

                      I am happy to conclude this short tribute of mine on Suman Kalyanpur’s solo songs with an evergreen song from the year 1974. This song is always played in radio on the Raksha Bandhan day. Proves Shankar ‘s creativity was still going strong contrary to the popular myth. This also shows Suman was singing even in mid 70’s and as per her own comment in an interview, she stopped singing in Hindi films due to some personal reasons that she did not reveal. However she continued to sing in Marathi -mainly for  non film  devotional and light music albums and carved out a great place for her in Marathi music .

                      I will continue this blog in next part with her fabulous duets .

                      Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:

                      I sincerely thank the publishers of following  Internet sources   for the information that I could gather for this article:

                      1. You Tube
                      2. Wikipedia

                      The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been embedded here   only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. The photograph is taken from the internet, duly recognizing the full copyrights for the same to the  original creator or the site where they were originally displayed .This blog does not claim any copyright over them, which rests with the respective owners of the rights.