Fans will mark Manna Dey’s 100th birth anniversary this year. Hemchhaya De looks back at the legend’s rise to success and body of work
In the mid-60s, RD Burman (RD), who was composing music for Mehmood’s Bhoot Bungla (1965), came up with a peppy number, Aao twist karen, for Manna Dey to lend his voice to. When the film’s producer, Usman, declared he had someone else in mind, it did not go down well with RD. In his memoir, Memories Come Alive, Dey recalls RD telling the producer, “I have composed the song for Manna-da,…and nobody else can sing it like him. If you want to include the song in your film, only Manna-da will sing it. Otherwise, I wash my hands of this business.”
Dey was brought on board, and the rest, as they say, is history. A few years later, RD, Dey, and Mehmood joined hands yet again, to weave a similar magic in Padosan (1968). This time, Dey sang for Mehmood, who played a music teacher well-versed in Indian classical music. Who can possibly forget Dey’s on-screen musical duel with Kishore Kumar in Ek chatur naar?
Two different songs, two different genres— while Aao twist karen was regarded as the first Indian rap song by Dey himself, Ek chatur naar displayed the acclaimed singer’s command over the complexities of Indian classical music in its complete glory. These instances, time and again, underscore the range and versatility of the legendary singer, one of the most revered members of the pantheon of Bollywood’s all-time greats.
The big break
Prabodh Chandra Dey was born to Mahamaya and Purna Chandra Dey on May 1, 1919. He was lovingly called Mana, a name he tweaked to Manna in the early ’40s. A boy of varied interests, the young Manna was hooked on to sports, besides academics and music. He also learnt wrestling from the then world-famous, Gobar Guha. However, music seemed to be his calling.
Esta historia es de la edición April 9, 2019 de Femina.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 9, 2019 de Femina.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Tile Your 'Gram Right
Here's how you get yourself a great Instagram grid.
Summer Skincare Woes? - We Have The Answers!
A trailblazer in the realm of clean beauty, Deepti Gujar Kulkarni has the perfect fixes for the season at hand
MANISH ARORA AND THE BEAUTY OF LIFE
Was this a technicolor dream? A jet-lagged fugue state? Or was this actually MANISH ARORA's life's work unfurling in a faraway pink-lit room on the other side of the world? Ambika Muttoo sat down with the legendary designer, proving that this montage was, in fact, real
5 DELICACIES TO TRY AT KEMBARA, MUMBAI
Here's a taster of the Asian culinary magic Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo is working at the Mumbai outpost of KEMBARA
SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF EUROPE
Step into a world of culinary excellence as ALBA, the European restaurant nestled within JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, unveils a new menu
MAKE A DATE WITH NATURE
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a serene retreat, a weekend trip to MASINAGUDI in Tamil Nadu promises to be an unforgettable experience.
SUMMERTIME = SCREEN TIME?
There are ways to encourage healthy screen-time habits for children during the summer vacation.
CARING FOR COMMUNITY PETS IN THE SUMMER HEAT
Here's how you can support and care for your community pets during the scorching summer heat
MOVE GENTLY TOWARDS HARMONY
TAI CHI, an ancient Chinese practice rooted in mindfulness, is a way to brace yourself through life.
BACK WITH A BANG!
BASTIAN in Bandra, Mumbai, boasts cosy interiors and delectable cuisine