Manna Dey, born as Prabodh Chandra Dey, was one of the most versatile and celebrated playback singers in the history of Indian cinema. His melodious voice and exceptional singing prowess earned him immense admiration and respect from audiences and fellow musicians alike. Here’s an overview of his life and career:

Early Life:

• Birth: Manna Dey was born on May 1, 1919, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
• Musical Background: He was born into a family with a rich musical heritage. His father, Purna Chandra Dey, was a renowned classical singer and his maternal uncle, Krishna Chandra Dey, was a composer and music director.

Career:

• Early Training: Manna Dey received early training in classical music from his uncle, Krishna Chandra Dey, and later learned Hindustani classical music from Ustad Dabir Khan and Ustad Aman Ali Khan.
• Entry into Playback Singing: He made his playback singing debut in the film “Tamanna” (1942) with the song “Jago Aayee Usha Ponchi Boley Jago,” composed by K.C. Dey.
• Versatility: Manna Dey was known for his extraordinary versatility as a singer. He excelled in various genres, including classical, semi-classical, devotional, patriotic, ghazals, and folk songs.
• Collaborations: He collaborated with many renowned music directors and composers, including S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, Salil Chowdhury, Shankar-Jaikishan, and Kalyanji-Anandji, among others.

Notable Works:

• Iconic Songs: Manna Dey recorded numerous iconic songs throughout his career, showcasing his vocal range and mastery over different styles. Some of his notable songs include:
  • “Laga Chunri Mein Daag” from the film “Dil Hi To Hai” (1963)
  • “Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen” from the film “Waqt” (1965)
  • “Yeh Dosti” from the film “Sholay” (1975)
  • “Ae Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo” from the film “Mera Naam Joker” (1970)
  • “Ek Chatur Naar” from the film “Padosan” (1968)

Awards and Recognition:

• National Awards: Manna Dey was honored with several National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.
• Padma Awards: He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1971 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005, two of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his contributions to music.
• Lifetime Achievement: Dey received numerous lifetime achievement awards from various organizations and institutions for his illustrious career in music.

Legacy:

• Cultural Icon: Manna Dey remains a cultural icon in Indian music, remembered for his melodious voice, versatility, and remarkable contributions to playback singing.
• Influence: He inspired generations of singers with his exceptional talent and dedication to music, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
• Enduring Popularity: His songs continue to be cherished by music lovers across generations, maintaining their popularity and relevance in Indian cinema and music.

Manna Dey’s unparalleled contribution to Indian music and playback singing has earned him a permanent place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. His legacy as one of the greatest playback singers of all time is firmly established in the annals of Indian music history.

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