LEGENDARY CLASSICAL SINGER..MANNA DEY!

Five years over..legendary classical singer of Indian cinema..Manna Dey left this world!

Sangeetacharya K. C. Dey and Manna Dey!

Real name Prabodh Chandra Dey...inspired and influenced by his uncle Sangeetacharya K. C. Dey!..He also took lessons in Hindustani Classical Music from Ustad Aman Ali Khan and Ustad Abdul Rahman Khan!

In 1942 he came to Mumbai with uncle and assisted him & Music director S. D. Burman! He sung his first song "Jago Aayee Usha.." for film 'Tamanna' in the Music direction of his uncle K.C. Dey! 

Manna Dey singing!

After 'Tamanna' he sung "O Prem Diwani.." in the Music of Anil Biswas for film 'Kadambari' (1944). Then became popular singer Manna Dey with song "Upar Gagan Vishal.." which was written by Pradeep & in the Music of S. D. Burman he sung for..'Bombay Talkies' movie 'Mashal' (1950) directed by Nitin Bose!

Music Director Salil Choudhary and Singer Manna Dey!

By 1960 Manna Dey established his versatility in singing all kind of songs. But he was famous for his classical based film songs like.."Laga chunari mein daag.." which in the Music of Roshan he sung for film 'Dil Hi To Hai' (1963). Then he sung nice song of Gulzar in Basu Bhattacharya's classic movie 'Anubhav' (1971).."Phir kahin koi phool khila.." which was composed by Kanu Roy!

Rajesh Khanna performed Manna Dey's song "Zindagi." in 'Anand'!

Manna Dey sung for leading music directors of his time..But his association with Music Director Salil Choudhary was long..from 1953 to 1992! In this always remember "Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli..." from classic movie 'Aanand' (1971) directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee! Mannada's this immortal song..on screen Rajesh Khanna performed in his immortal role!

Manna Dey won various awards for his singing in films. And Government of India honoured him with 'Padmashri' in 1971, 'Padmabhushan' in 2005..And in 2007 with 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award'!

- Manoj Kulkarni
 ['Chitrasrushti']