Biography of Manna Dey:
Manna Dey, whose full name was Prabodh Chandra Dey, was a legendary playback singer in Indian cinema, known for his versatility and mastery of various musical genres.
Here’s a brief biography of Manna Dey:
Early Life:
Manna Dey was born on May 1, 1919, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
His early exposure to music came from his parents, who were both accomplished singers and musicians.
 |
| Manna Dey |
Manna Dey’s Musical Training:
Manna Dey received formal training in classical music from his uncle, Krishna Chandra Dey, and later from Ustad Aman Ali Khan.
He also trained in Hindustani classical music and classical vocal music.
Entry into the Film Industry:
Manna Dey’s entry into the film industry happened in the 1940s, and he started his playback singing career with the film “Tamanna” (1942).
He initially struggled to find a foothold but gradually gained recognition for his exceptional vocal range and versatility.
Versatility and Range:
One of Manna Dey’s greatest strengths was his ability to sing in multiple languages and across various musical genres.
He sang in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, and other languages.
Notable Songs of Manna Dey:
Manna Dey’s repertoire includes numerous memorable songs across different genres, including classical, semi-classical, ghazals, and folk.
Some of his iconic songs include “Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen” (Waqt), “Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli” (Anand), “Yeh Dosti” (Sholay), “Ae Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo” (Mera Naam Joker), and “Ae Mere Pyare Watan” (Kabuliwala), among many others.
Collaborations:
Manna Dey collaborated with several music directors and playback singers, creating memorable musical compositions.
His collaborations with composers like S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan, and others resulted in some of the most beloved songs in Indian cinema.
Awards and Honors to Manna Dey:
Manna Dey received several awards for his contributions to music, including the Padma Shri in 1971 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005.
He was also honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2007 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
Later Years and Death:
Manna Dey continued to sing and perform well into his later years.
He passed away on October 24, 2013, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music.
Manna Dey’s contribution to Indian music is celebrated for its richness, diversity, and enduring appeal. His ability to excel in classical and contemporary genres, coupled with his distinctive voice, earned him a special place in the hearts of music lovers.