28 January is the birthday of Suman Kalyanpur, one of the living legends of the golden era of Hindi cine music. But apart from Hindi, the singer par excellence sang in many other languages leaving her impression. It is sad that somehow she did not achieve the popularity and respect as her peers. Blame it on competition, politics or pure bad luck. But her songs remain fresh in the minds of her fans and the music listener.

This is a small tribute by remembering her contribution to Marathi cinema through 10 songs for different music directors. Most of them are stalwarts and it is interesting to see Suman K adapting different styles and delivering her best through her sweet and expressive voice. Here’s wishing Suman K a happy birthday and a healthy life ahead.

---

1) Song: Jithe Sagara Dharani Milate
Film: Putra Whawa Aisa (1961)
Credits: P. Sawalaram | Vasant Prabhu | Suman Kalyanpur

This can be termed as one of the trademark songs of Suman K. The heroine sings the song leisurely, strolling by the sea and waiting for the workaholic hero’s arrival. Set in Yaman, the song begins with a delightful humming and the honeyed vocals take it forward as if gliding on the water waves. The lyrics, music and of course, the singing do full justice.

---

2) Song: Are Sansar Sansar
Film: Manini (1961)
Credits: Bahinabai Chaudhari | Vasant Pawar | Suman Kalyanpur

One of the heroine oriented movies of that era. An evergreen song describing the reality of life in simplified terms. Penned by Bahinabai and aptly composed by Vasant Pawar in Pilu. Suman K adds the finishing touch by the poignant rendering.

---

3) Song: Deva Daya Tujhi Ki
Film: Bolki Bahuli (1961)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Shriniwas Khale | Suman Kalyanpur

Bolki Bahuli is termed as a sequel to Devbappa (1953). Probably the first such instance in Marathi cinema. Suman K sounds sweet as always in a song which describes the character’s happy state of mind. Must say that Suman K was in her prime in the early 60s.

---

4) Song: Jaag Re Yadava
Film: Prem Andhala Asta (1962)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Ram Kadam | Suman Kalyanpur

Ga Di Ma describes the sunrise and happenings of the morning scene through his writing and Ram Kadam complements with the music. Suman K voice meanders through the composition and the listener can easily visualize the scene being described. Unfortunately the picturization on screen is not up to the mark and could have been better. Indeed, some songs are meant to be heard and not seen!

---

5) Song: Aai Sarkhe Daiwat
Film: Vaishakh Vanva (1964)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Datta Dawjekar | Suman Kalyanpur

Like Manini, this is a heroine oriented movie. She goes through hardships in her marital life and has to leave her husband’s house. This is a situational “teaching” song. The heroine is teaching the basics of the alphabet and sings a song in praise of the “mother” who is equivalent to God. Needless to say, the song sounds sweeter in the voice of Suman K.

---

6) Song: Tujhiya Botala
Film: Iye Marathichiye Nagari (1965)
Credits: Vasant Kanetkar | Vasant Desai | Suman Kalyanpur

This is a forgettable V. Shantaram directed movie but with good music like most of his offerings. I don’t recall if the song is included in the movie. Its structured like a natya sangeet composition and Suman K is the surprise package. The fast taans in natya sangeet style is a revelation and brings out the versatility of the singer.

---

7) Song: Anand Mani Maina
Film: Raigadacha Rajabandi (1965)
Credits: Raja Badhe | D. P. Korgaonkar | Suman Kalyanpur

I recall watching this movie on Doordarshan ages ago but has since got lost in time somewhere! Haven’t heard much about the music director but Suman K sings the song effortlessly and is impactful in the high pitch portion.

---

8) Song: Tujhya Kantisam Raktapataka
Film: Annapurna / Anna Hi Anna (1968)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Snehal Bhatkar | Suman Kalyanpur

This is an early morning devotional song dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Suman K displays her command in different genres by easily handling the composition. The lyrics talk all about the lord’s features, his liking and virtues. Trivia: The movie was earlier titled Anna Hi Anna and later re-censored as Annapurna by which it is better known today.

---

9) Song: Limbalona Utaru Kashi
Film: Ekati (1968)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Sudhir Phadke | Suman Kalyanpur

A mother singing for her son who is away in a different city. A typical filmy mother who has brought up her son single handedly. Her sacrifices and his hard work have paid off. He is now grown up and standing on his feet. She is contented and wishes for his success through the song. Suman K’s rendition brings out the character’s emotions effectively.

---

10) Song: Nimbonichya Zaadamage
Film: Bala Gaau Kashi Angai (1977)
Credits: Madhusudan Kalelkar | N. Datta | Suman Kalyanpur

One of the memorable and enduring lullabies of Marathi cinema. This was probably one of the last hits of Suman K and has retained its charm for many years. There is a sad version of the song later in the movie. Both versions are equally compelling in Suman K’s voice.