Suman Kalyanpur: voice of sweetness

PUNE: Sadly, the name may not ring a bell with the Indipop generation, but Suman Kalyanpur remains one of the best-loved voices of Hindi and Marathi songs — almost 20 years after she stopped singing full-time.
At a rare and hurriedly convened interaction with reporters here on Wednesday, it was evident why. In the voice that immortalised hits like Ajahuna aye balama, Na tum hame jaano and Keshava Madhava (Marathi), she fielded questions hard and soft, with sweetness and dignity.
Her career, debatably, was believed to have been restricted by the awesome presence of the Mangeshkar sisters on the scene. Was that ever a pressure factor?
“The Manges-hkars were well-established much before I came on the scene. I was still able to carve out a niche for myself. If there had been any such pressure, wouldn’t I have dropped out at the outset?� What does she feel about the remixes era?
“I think they are mostly made by people who don’t like old songs. Or don’t understand them. Or aren’t getting any good new tunes. Only they can explain why they do it. I feel they must at least stop adding those raunchy music videos. It’s embarrassing to watch them on TV at home with children watching. The makers should act more responsibly.�
However, Kalyanpur is no old-fashioned prude. She welcomes technological advances. “Modern-day multitrack recording helps you combine the best takes of all performers. Recording with a live orchestra had its charm. But it often led to re-takes and therefore the best takes of individuals were lost. The orchestra was limited in my days. But that was not essentially good. Today’s orchestra fills up the track like ingredients of a good recipe.�
For youngsters, her word of advice is, “Learn to take care of your voice. Classical and popular singing, training and performing make different demands on your voice. Don’t go flat out and hurt your cords. Watch what you eat.�
When asked if a career in acting or music composition ever tempted her, she made a very important point for the new generation.
“All these fields are very specialised. Think one hundred times before joining a field. Once you have made up your mind, give it your best.�
As they left the venue, Mrs Kalyanpur held her husband’s hand as he had some trouble walking. Together, they made sweet picture. Even then, the lines she sang on popular request were ringing in everyone’s ears: “Keshava, Madhava tuzhya navaat re godava� (O Lord! Your name is sweetness). Actually, it was her voice that was sweetness.