One of the last living legend male singer of Golden era of Hindi classic cinema Manna Dey passed away on Thursday morning in Bangalore. He died at the ripe old age of 94 leaving his old ailing body for a better place.Manna Dey was still giving live performances in his 90s,he visited our Lucknow city on April 10, 2010 and enthralled his audiences singing in his captivating melodious voice.He may be mortal but his evergreen songs would inspire and entertain masses for eternity.He would live on in our memories and through his immortal creative songs he will continue to win new fans.
Manna Dey was one lucky singer,he sang for Raj Kapoor "Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua" in Shri420 when Mukesh had become his voice and continued to give hits like "Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi" a sensuous rain song from "Chori Chori" which was hindi adaptation of "It hapeened one night" and starred Raj and Nargis.Also for Raj Kapoor's Magnum opus "Mera Naam Joker" he won a National Award in 1971.His luck continued and when Kishore Kumar had become the on-screen singing voice for Rajesh Khanna,he got philosophical sentimental song "Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli" from Anand to sing for Superstar Rajesh Khanna.He also sang in Safar "Tujhko Chalna Hoga" which is one of the most inspiring song of Hindi Cinema.
Manna Dey was the best classical play back singer Hindi Cinema ever had.All the difficult classical raga based songs went to him.Be it "Kaun Aaya Mere Man Ke Dware" from "Dekh Kabeera Roya","Poocho Na Kaise Maine Rain Bitaayi" from "Meri Surat Teri Ankhen","Kis Ne Chilman Se Maara" from "Baat Ek Raat Ki","Sur Na Saje Kya Gaoon Main" from Basant Bahar (1956) or "Phool Gendwa Na Maro" from Dooj Ka Chand (1964).And for "Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baje Payaliya" from Mere Huzoor he won National Award in 1969.
