Manna Dey

Manna Dey, one of the popular singers of India, is greatly known for his melodious voice and flawless singing. He was a great playback singer of his time. He sang in a number of films with legendary singers like Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle. Being classically trained from renowned vocalists, he could sing anything with ease, be it a romantic duet, a solo number, a patriotic song or a Qawali. He worked with great composers like Shankar Jaikishen, Salil Chowdhury, Jaidev and many more. He is undoubtedly a great versatile singer, which India has ever produced.

Early Life of Manna Dey

He was born on 1st May, 1919 and was known by the name of Prabodhchandra Dey. He stayed in North Calcutta and belonged to an orthodox Bengali family. He studied at the Scottish Church School and College and graduated from Vidyasagar College of Kolkata. In his childhood, he was inclined towards various co curricular activities and won many sports events. However, his talent in music was evident since he started playing his school desk and tables and singing songs amongst his friends. Initially he was taught music by his uncle Krishna Chandra Dey. He took training in classical music from Ustad Dabir Khan, Ustad Abdul Rahman Khan and Ustad Aman Ali Khan.

Manna Dey’s Career

Manna Dey stepped into his film career with the film Tamanna where he sang a duet with the leading singer Suraiyya. His next song 'Upar Gagan Vishal' from the film Mashaal was a big hit in 1950. In the year 1952, Manna Dey established his versatility by singing

a song from the film Amar Bhupali, both in Bengali and Marathi. He worked with several music directors like R. D. Burman, Madan Mohan, Roshan, Kalyanji Anandji, Hemant Kumar, Chitragupta, Ravi, Jaidev, Salil Chowdhury and Laxmikant Pyarelal.