Manna Dey…. The man who is the icon of classical singing in Hindi films…But it was not merely classical songs that he mastered, he was as versatile as any of the greats of Hindi films, probably even more. Lets pay a tribute to this legend by counting 20 songs spread across various segments.
Classical
Even though Manna Dey has been a very versatile singer mastering every aspect of film songs, he has been best known for his mastery over classical and semi classical film songs. Hence, let me start the list with some of his gems in this category.
Laga chunri mein daag
Talk of Manna dey and don’t start with this gem. yeh to ho nahin sakta. Probably the most well known classical song in Hindi films, Manna Dey sang it to perfection.
Lapak jhapak tu aa ri(Bootpolish)
When comedy gets mixed with classical singing and brings out a whole range of emotions in the actors, then that has to be a masterpiece. One must listen to this song on a rainy day to get its real beauty.
Tum bin jeevan kaisa jeevan(Bawarchi)
Classical songs can be of many moods. This particular song was in a pensive and thoughtful mood with a touch of sadness in it. As usual, Manna da did a great job.
Other Solo Songs
even though he has sung mostly classical numbers, he has given equal number of good romantic, philosophical and inspiring songs. The following is a sample list.
Ae mere zohrazabeen(Waqt)
Don’t want to say much on the popularity of this qawali. The fact that even today it’s the most favourite song of elderly couples when they wish their beloved… this is the numero uno choice.
Yaari hai imaan mer yaar meri zindagi(Zanjeer)
Amitabh Bachchan became a star after Zanjeer and Pran came in a mega new Avtar! Equally unforgettable has been this phenomenal song on friendship, which had gone on to top the Binaca Geet Mala that year.
Kashme vade pyaar wafa sab(Kasme Vade)
I have not heard many sad songs of Manna Dey. But this single number is good enough to prove his capability in this arena also.
Hum ko man ki sakti dena
Talking of inspiring songs… the kind of inspiration that one gets after hearing this song is awesome. If you are ever running low on your self esteem, just listen to this one.
Dil ka haal sune dilwala(Sri 420)
Other than Mukesh, if Raj Kapoor trusted any other voice for himself, then it has to be Manna Dey. This is another masterpiece sung in a very light mood.
Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo(Mera Naam Joker)
Do you know which song was the biggest hit from Mera Naam Joker? It is not Jeena Yahan or Jaane Kahan… the bigger hit from this musical extravaganza was Ae Bhai zara dekh ke chalo. That year Binaca geet Mala introduced the scheme of Sartaaz Geet(i.e. a song automatically gets out of the list after plying for 18 weeks) and this number was the first one to achieve the feat. Unfortunately it ended at no. 2 on the annual count down, behind Bindiya Chamkegi of Lata Mangeshkar.
Zindagi, kaisi hai paheli hai(Anand)
The whole life of a human being summerised in one song… simply mesmarising…
Ae mere pyare watan(Kabuliwala)
The fragrance of patriotism for a person’s own country… let it be for India or Afghan….
Male – Female Duets
Somehow I find the duets of Manna Dey to be of very superior quality. Probably that is due to his ability to synch and sing with any singer.
Pyaar hua ikraar hua(Sri 420)
One of the most romantic sings ever sung in Hindi films, that is as youthful today as it was at the time of its release.
Aaja sanam(Chori Chori)
Another duet, symbolizing the equation of Raj Kapoor and Nargis with very romantic touch by the singers.
Ye raat bhigi bhigi(Chori Chori)
Even today, this is probably the most well known romantic song that is hummed by every loving couple in a full moon night! How romantic!
Dil ke girah khol do chup na baitho(Raat aur Din)
This is one of my personal favourites. This goes very well with the story line, where Nargis does not remember what happens to her in the night. this song symbolizes the presence of a stranger in the mehfil…
Ae malik tere bande hum(Do Aankhein Barrah Haath)
This work of art of V Santaram had a gem in the form of this song.
Male – Male Duets/ Group Songs
Like I mentioned earlier, he had an ability to sing with any singer, may it be female or may it be male. May it be a duet or may it be a group song…
Ek chatur naar(Padoshan)
Can we call it as the most popular comedy number ever? This duet with Kishore Kumar(with dilogius from mehmood) has tickled funny bones of the audience for nearly 40 years.
Yeh dosti, hum nahin todenge(Sholay)
The greatest story of friendship ever told… the greatest song of friendship ever sung…
Hoke mazbur mujhe(Haqeeqat)
True, this song had 4 singers(Talat Mahmood, Mohd Rafi and Bhupinder being other 3), but Manna Dey stands out in the song on a very patriotic note.
Na to kaaravan ki(Barsaat ki Raat)
Another great in its area. This qawali has inspired several other music directors to try and better it, but in vein. There were 4 other singers in lead apart from Manna Dey(Mohd. Rafi, Batish, Asha Bhonsle and Sudha Malhotra). The most memorable part of Manna Dey in this song has been the gradual switch from Na to Caravan ki talash hai to yeh ishq ihsq hai ishq ishq, which is often confused as two songs. but listen to the song carefully and on Manna Dey’s part, you will see the transition.
I did not know the movie names for some songs. Please help in filling those gaps.