How ‘Hum Tumse Pyar Kitna’ Became a Timeless Classic

Mumbai, July 9 – The haunting refrain of “Hum Tumse Pyar Kitna,” featured in the 1981 film *Kudrat*, owes its lasting charm to the unmatched classical expertise of Parveen Sultana. Composer R.D. Berman, seeking a voice that could balance cinematic softness with deep ragmatic structure, found his match in Sultana’s disciplined, melodious tone.

Parveen Sultana was born on July 10 1950 in Nalbari, Assam. From five years old she embarked on a strict regimen of vocal practice, guided by her father’s emphasis on dedication. By the age of twelve she stepped onto a public stage, later refining her technique under gurus like Chinmay Lahiri and Ustad Dilshad Khan, and eventually aligning herself with the Patiala gharana’s powerful vocal tradition.

Although her presence in Bollywood was sparse, each song she recorded was infused with classical authenticity. “Hum Tumse Pyar Kitna” emerged as a hallmark of this approach; the composition’s delicate orchestration allowed her nuanced gamakas and meend to shine, creating a piece that feels both intimate and grand.

The song’s impact was immediate, earning Sultana a Filmfare award and cementing her status among India’s musical elite. Subsequent recognitions, notably the Padma Shri in 1976 and Padma Bhushan in 2014, celebrated her contributions to Indian classical and film music alike. Decades later, the melody continues to be performed in concerts and cherished by listeners worldwide.