A few days ago(on 1st May), Manna Dey’s(real name: Prabodh Chandra Dey) birth anniversary came and went without the kind of fanfare and tributes one sees/hears on the birth anniversaries of Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh. Not surprising, because despite his immense talent, skill and admirable training in classical music, Manna Dey never really got to sing playback for the "heroes". He once joked that he was always landed with singing playback for elderly beggars, wandering minstrels and poor farmers!
In spite of being placed on the second rung by the film industry, Manna Dey has left behind a legacy of amazing songs that will resonate in the hearts of generations of music lovers for all eternity. To close this tribute, I will list(in no apparent order) my personal favourites - songs that are always there on my laptop, my mp3 player and my music system.
Ay Mere Zohra Jabeen
Yeh Raat Bheegi-Bheegi
Laaga Chunri Mein Daag(demonstrating his classical music capabilities)
Ek Chatur Naar(showing his amazing sense of comic timing)
Ay Mere Pyaare Watan
Yaari Hai Imaan Mera
Poocho Na Kaise Main Ne Rayne Beetaayi
Sometimes when youngsters say: Yes, he was good - but he couldn’t sing modern songs, I tell them to listen to Aao Twist Karein - R D Burman’s carefree take on Chubby Checker’s Come On Let’s Twist Again. That’s Manna Dey for you - versatile, multitalented and singer par excellence!