The Indian soil, with different cultures and languages, has given birth to many majestic musicians, singers and artists. The musical tradition of the nation is rich and perhaps unparalleled in history. The evolution of cinema gave a platform for talented individuals to reach a massive audience and become stars. However, there are few who chose to remain content with what they possessed. Haimanti Sukla, the legendary Bengali voice, is one of them. The amazingly talented musician, singer par excellence and extraordinary individual turn 74 today and Saregama wishes her a very happy birthday.
Haimanti was born on February 2, 1949, and was raised in Kolkata. It is true that Bengal has been the birthplace of many greats in the music field and thus it is well-known for producing world-class artists. The icons like Rabindranath Tagore has played a huge role in influencing the culture and moulding youngsters to become the best. And certainly, Haimanti hailing from the place is the best.
The music virtuoso was trained in Indian classical music by her father Pt. Harihar Sukla initially, who was a classical vocalist. However, she was always encouraged to listen to all forms of music. At the age of 21, she was able to do her first recording. Later, popular musician Pt. Chinmay Lahiri became her mentor and played a substantial role in her growth as a singer. Over many years, she gained mastery over classical and semi-classical music forms. At first, she became a regular at All Indian Radio, giving renditions of Khayal, Ghazal, Thumri, Bengali songs, Rabindrasangeet and other songs. Finally, in 1974, she got her big breakthrough in the form of playback singing under Shyamal Mitra.
Blending the charming and splendid voice with classical notes, she carved her own path of success. Throughout her career spanning more than four decades, she worked with legends like Hemant Mukherjee, Manna Dey, Salil Chowdhury, Naushad and musical giants like Pt Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. She has also sung for regional language songs in Punjabi, Oriya, Gujarati, Assamese and more.
She has been a life-long fan of legendary singer and composer Manna Dey. And it was none other than the maestro through which she got the superhit song Amar bolar kichu chilo na, which remains in the hearts and minds of music lovers even today. She also has many non-film songs in her repertoire. When it comes to Bollywood, she sang her best for the movie Chashme Buddoor in 1981 under Raj Kamal the composer. The Kahaan se aaye badra remains a super hit.
Some of the best Haimanti Sukla songs are Tumi Nirmal Karo, Ekhono Sarengita Bajchhe, Ami Sukhi Hole Dukhhai, Amar Balar Kichhu Chhilo Na, Sukher Dingulo Dure Chole Jay, Gaan-I Sarbasrestha Sadhana, Ogo Brishti Amar Chokher Pata, Emon Swapno Kakhano Dekhini, Ami E Khelay Kakhano Ki Haartam, Thikana Na Rekhe Bhaloi Korechho.
Without a doubt, she is one of the best modern singers the nation has ever seen. Widely recognized and awarded for her contribution to music in India, she is popular even today among music enthusiasts. More recently, she received Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Other Major Traditions of Music. Saregama wishes her the best on her birthday. Listen to Haimanti Sukla songs on Saregama Carvaan. You can also download mp3 songs by visiting Saregama website.