Playback vocalist, music director, and musician Prabodh Chandra Dey was well-known in India. Being a member of the Bhendibazaar Gharana and having studied under Ustad Aman Ali Khan, he had a background in classical music. One of the most talented and well-known vocalists in the Hindi film business, Manna Dey is highly renowned for his important contributions to the incorporation of Indian classical music into Hindi commercial filmmaking.
In his musical career, Dey is most known for fusing elements of Indian classical music into a pop musical framework, a move that was crucial to the heyday of Hindi film. Throughout his fifty-year career, Dey recorded three thousand forty-seven songs. He performed in 14 different Indian languages, including Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, and Chhattisgarhi, however, most of his songs were in Bengali and Hindi.
His greatest years as a musician were from the middle of the 1950s until the 1970s. The Indian government honored Manna Dey with some high-profile awards in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Indian music. In addition to the Padma Shri in 1971, he also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2007 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005.
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Early Life of Manna Dey
Dey was born in a Bengali household on May 1, 1919, in Calcutta, to Mahamaya and Purna Chandra Dey. He lived from May 1, 1919, till October 24, 2013. In addition to his parents, he was greatly inspired and influenced by Sangeetacharya Krishna Chandra Dey, his youngest paternal uncle.
At the little pre-primary school Indu Babur Pathshala, he completed his early education. In 1929, he began performing in school plays. He was a student at Scottish Church College and Scottish Church Collegiate School.
During his time in college, he trained under Gobar Guha and competed in sports like boxing and wrestling. From Vidyasagar College, he graduated. Dey started studying music with Ustad Dabir Khan and Krishna Chandra Dey. He won three straight years’ worth of intercollegiate singing competitions in three distinct categories while he was still studying.
Profile of Manna Dey
- Birth Name: Prabodh Chandra Dey
- Stage Name: Manna Dey
- Date of Birth: 1 May 1919
- Birth Place: Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Occupations: Singer, Playback singer, Music director, Musician
- Spouse: Sulochana Kumaran
- Relatives: Krishna Chandra Dey (uncle)
- Genres: Filmi, Classical, Qawwali, Ghazals, Bhajans, Gurbani, Nazrul Geeti, Rock and Roll
- Instrument(s): Vocals, harmonium, tabla, sitar,tanpura
- Years active: 1938–2013
- Website: www.mannadey
- Died: 24 October 2013 (aged 94)
Manna Dey’s Career
Dey traveled to Bombay with Krishna Chandra Dey in 1942. In 1942, Dey made his playback singing debut in the film Tamanna. Krishna Chandra Dey composed the soundtrack for the film, and Manna and Suraiya delivered the hit duet “Jago Aayee Usha Ponchi Boley Jago” right away. He later worked as a composer’s assistant before striking out on his own.
Ustad Aman Ali Khan and Ustad Abdul Rahman Khan continued to instruct Dey in Hindustani classical music while he worked independently as a music director for several Hindi films. He frequently collaborates with over 185 music directors during his Bollywood singing career.
For the first time, he performed songs written by Sachin Dev Burman in 1952 and saw Dey sing for the Bengali and Marathi films Amar Bhupali, which shared the same title and plot. By 1953, this had made him a well-known playback vocalist in both Marathi and Bengali movies.
Musicians like Anil Biswas, Shankar Rao Vyas, S.K. Pal, S.D. Burman, Khem Chand Prakash, and Mohd. Safi frequently utilized Dey throughout the post-independence era, which lasted from 1947 to 1957. Hit songs from movies such as Gajre (1948), Hum Bhi Insaan Hai (1948), Do Sitaare (1951), Hamdard (1953), Mahatma Kabir (1954), Jasoos (1957), and Pardesi (1957) were produced by the Dey-Anil Biswas combination.
Even though Anil Biswas and Dey collaborated on just a few movies, their songs are nonetheless well-known. In the 1949 film Girls School, directed by S.K. Pal, he collaborated on a duet called “Phoolon Ka Swapna” with Shamshad Begum, the most sought-after Hindi female vocalist between 1940 and 1961.
In 1949, he sang “Lapat Ke Pot Pahaney Bikral” with the then-up-and-coming singer Lata Mangeshkar for the film Narsingh Avtar, scored by Vasant Desai. In 1951, he sang “Subaho Ki Paheli Kiran” with Kishore Kumar for the film Anadolan, composed by Pannalal Ghosh. “Dhonyo Dhonyo He Ayodhya Puri” from the 1949 film Ram Vivah, scored by Shankar Rao Vyas, was his first duet with Geeta Dutt.
“Hay Ye Hain” from the 1951 film Jangal Ka Jaanwar, composed by Ghantshala, was his first duet with Umadevi. “O Raat Gayee Fir Din Aya” from the 1953 movie Bootpolish was his debut duet with the then-struggling singer Asha Bhosle. In addition to singing classically based movie songs, Dey proved his versatility between 1948 and 1954 by performing classical music concerts and combining pop and Indian classical music in his film songs.
His explorations with Western music also yielded some enduring tunes, which led to an upsurge in requests for singing roles in motion pictures starting in 1955. In 1953, he started performing ghazals for Hindi movies. He started his career as a music composer for Hindi movies when he and Khemchand Prakash worked together to create the soundtracks for Shri Ganesh Janma (1951), which starred Trilok Kapoor, Nirupa Roy, and Vishwamitra (1952).
Filmography
List of Bengali hit songs of Manna Dey
- Karz (1980)
- Dadar Kirti (1980)
- Surya Sakkhi (1981)
- Laawaris (1981)
- Indira (1983)
- Lalan Fakir (1987)
- Agaman (1988)
- Prahaar (1990)
- Debate (1990)
- Guria (1997)
- Umar (2006)
- Chacha Zindabad (1959)
- Deep Jwele Jaai (1959)
- Kavi Kalidas (1959)
- Navrang (1959)
- Ujala (1959)
- Madhu (1959)
- Manzil (1960)
- Angulimaal (1960)
- Anuradha (1960)
- Bambai ka Babu (1960)
- Prabhu Ka Ghar (1946)
- Valmiki (1946)
- Geetgobind (1947)
- Ham bhi Insaan Hai (1948)
- Rambaan (1948)
- Awaara (1951)
- Andolan (1951)
- Ramayan (1954)
- Shree 420 (1955)
- Seema (1955)
- Devdas (1955)
- Jai Mahadev (1955)
- Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje (1955)
- Kundan (1955)
- Ek Din Ratre(1956)
- Chori Chori (1956)
- Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957)
- Amar Singh Rathaur (1957)
- Jai Ambe (1957)
- Janam Janam Ke Phere (1957)
- Johnny Walker (1957)
- Laal Batti (1957)
- Miss India (1957)
- Narshi Bhagat (1957)
- Naya Zamana (1957)
- Pardesi (1957)
- Parvarish (1958)
- Amardeep (1958)
- Post Box 999 (1958)
- Daak Harkara (1958)
- Anari (1959)
- Kala Bazar (1960)
- Kalpana (1960)
- Ganga (1960 film)
- Kabuliwala (1961)
- Main Shadi Karne Chala (1962)
- Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962)
- Dil Hi To Hai (1963)
- Rustam Sohrab (1963)
- Ustaadon Ke Ustaad (1963)
- “Suhagan (1964)
- Chitralekha (1964)
- Waqt (1965)
- Bhoot Bangla (1965)
- Love in Tokyo (1966)
- Teesri Kasam (1966)
- Pyar Kiye Ja (1966)
- Sankhyabela (1966)
- Subhash Chandra (1966)
- Upkaar (1967)
- Raat Aur Din (1967)
- Aamne Samne (1967)
- Palki (1967)
- Nawab Sirajdoula
- Boond Jo Ban Gaya Moti (1967)
- Antony Firingee (1967)
- Duniya Nachegi (1967)
- Padosan (1968)
- Mere Huzoor (1968)
- Neel Kamal (1968)
- Ram Aur Rahim (1968)
- Baghini (1968 film)
- Chowringhee (film) (1968)
- Ek Phool Do Mali (1969)
- Chanda Aur Bijli (1969)
- Chiradiner (1969)
- Jyoti (1969)
- Pratham Kadam Phool (1969)
- Teen Bhubaner Pare (1969)
- Pushpanjali (1970)
- Nishi Padma (1970)
- Mera Naam Joker (1970)
- Bilambita Loy (1970)
- Anand (1971)
- Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong (1971)
- Jane Anjane (1971)
- Lal Patthar (1971)
- Buddha Mil Gaya (1971)
- Chhadmabeshi (1971)
- Dhanyee Meye (1971)
- Anubhav (1972)
- Paraya Dhan (1971)
- Reshma Aur Shera (1971)
- Durbar Gati Padma (1971)
- Chemmeen (Malayalam)
- Alo Amar Alo (1972)
- Har Mana Har (1972)
- Picnic (1972 film)
- Stree (1972 film)
- Bawarchi (1972)
- Jeeban Rahasya (1972)
- Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
- Shor (1972)
- Zindagi Zindagi (1972)
- Avishkaar (1973)
- Dil Ki Rahe (1973)
- Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973)
- Sampurna Ramayan (1973)
- Saudagar (1973)
- Zanjeer (1973)
- Bobby (1973)
- Basanta Bilap (1973)
- Marjina Abdulla (1973)
- Nellu (Malayalam) (1974)
- Resham ki Dori (1974)
- Us Paar (1974)
- Mouchak(1974)
- Fuleswari(1974)
- Sholay (1975)
- Himalaya Se Ooncha (1975)
- Sanyasi (1975)
- Ponga Pandit (1975)
- Jai Santoshi Ma (1975)
- Deewaar (1975)
- Sanyasi Raja(1975)
- Selaam Memsaheb (1975)
- Palanka (1975)
- Das Mnambati (1976)
- Mehbooba (1976)
- Harmonium (1976)
- Hotel Snow Fox (1976)
- Anurodh (1977)
- Minoo (1977)
Awards
- 2003 Alauddin Khan Award by the Government of West Bengal
- 2004 Hony D. Lit Award by the Rabindra Bharati University
- 2005 Padma Bhushan by the Government of India
- 1983 Tulsi Samman by Government of Madhya Pradesh
- 1985 Ordre des Arts et des Lettres awarded by the Government of France
- 1988 Michale Sahittyo Puraskar awarded by Renaissance Sanskritik Parishad, Dhaka
- 1990 Shyamal Mitra Award by Mithun Fans Association
- 1991 Sangeet Swarnachurr Award awarded by Shree Khetra Kala Prakashika, Puri
- 1993 P.C.Chandra Award by P.C.Chandra Group & others
- 1994 Fukuoka Prize by the Government of Japan
- 2007 First Akshaya Mohanty Award by the Government of Orissa
- 2008 Hony D. Lit Award by Jadavpur University
- 2011 Banga-Vibhushan by Government of West Bengal
- 2013 Conferred with Sangeet Maha Samman by the Government of West Bengal.
- 2015 Honorary D.Litt. by the University of Cambridge(posthumously).
- 1965 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award – Best Male Playback Award for Kanchan Jangha
- 1966 Ramon Magsaysay Award
- 1967 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award – Best Male Playback Award for Sankhyabela
- 1968 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award – Best Male Playback Award for Antony Firingi
- 1969 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award – Best Male Playback Award (Hindi) for Mere Huzoor
- 1970 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award – Best Male Playback Award for Chira Diner
- 1971 National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the Bengali film Nishi Padma and Hindi film Mera Naam Joker
- 1972 Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for Mera Naam Joker
- 1973 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award – Best Male Playback Award for Stree
- 1995 Kalidas Samman by Government of Madhya Pradesh
- 1999 Kamala Devi Roy Award by Kamala Devi Group
- 2001 Anandalok Lifetime Award by the Anandabazar Group
- 2002 Special Jury Swaralaya Yesudas Award for outstanding performance in music
Death
Jiboner Jalsaghorey, Dey’s autobiography in Bengali, was released in 2005 by the esteemed Ananda Publishers. It has been translated into Marathi as Jivanacha Jalasagarat, Hindi as Yaden Jee Uthi, and English as Memories Come Alive. A documentary about Dey’s life, Jibaner Jalsaghore, was released in 2008. Manna Dey Sangeet Academy is creating an extensive archive of the greatest of Manna dey.
At the Sangeet Bhawan, the Best of Manna dey Music Archive has been constructed in collaboration with Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata. Additionally, he provided vocals for Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s Madhushala. On June 8, 2013, Dey was brought to a Bengaluru hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) due to problems stemming from a chest infection.
After a month or so, his condition improved enough for the physicians to remove the ventilator support. He was later discharged from the hospital. He was readmitted to the hospital during the first week of October 2013, and on October 24, at the age of 94, he passed away in Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospital in Bengaluru from a cardiac arrest at 3:45 p.m. Politicians, cricket players, musicians, and other well-known people released statements following his passing. He was cremated in the city of Bengaluru.
Upshot
The life story of renowned Indian singer Manna Dey is one of unmatched musical brilliance and cultural significance. Dey broke barriers with his unmatched vocal ability and adaptability, enthralling audiences on many continents and across generations. His rise from modest beginnings to international acclaim is evidence of his tenacity and love for music.
Dey has made incalculable contributions to Indian film and music, and her vast repertory includes classical, semi-classical, and popular music. His partnerships with notable lyricists and composers resulted in classic tunes that still arouse feelings in listeners all over the world.
In addition to his musical achievements, Dey was well-liked by peers and admirers for his modesty and commitment to his profession. His unshakable dedication to perfection made him a model of artistic integrity and set a standard for aspiring artists.
FAQs
1. Who was Manna Dey?
A: Manna Dey was a famed Indian playback singer who was well-known for his flexibility and command of many different musical genres.
2. What were the languages in which Manna Dey sang?
A: Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Assamese, Oriya, and Urdu are just a few of the languages in which Manna Dey sung.
3. What were some of the well-known songs by Manna Dey?
A: Best Bengali songs of Manna dey include “Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen,” “Laga Chunri Mein Daag,” “Yeh Dosti,” “Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua,” and “Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Mein.”
4. What honors was the Bengali song of Manna dey given?
A: For his extraordinary contribution to Indian music, Manna Dey was honored with various important accolades, including the Padma Shri (1971), Padma Bhushan (2005), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2007).
5. Did Manna Dey gain any recognition abroad?
A: Yes, Manna Dey’s musical contributions have garnered him fame on a global scale. For his services to Indian music, he received the Maharashtra Government Award and the Madhya Pradesh Government’s Lata Mangeshkar Award.
6. What impact did Manna Dey have on Indian classical music?
A: Manna Dey demonstrated his ability as a performer by frequently fusing classical elements into his songs. He had a thorough command of Indian classical music.
7. Has Manna ever worked with other vocalists?
A: Yes, Manna worked with several well-known vocalists to create unforgettable songs for Indian movies, including Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Asha Bhosle.