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.
This story is from the April 9, 2019 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 9, 2019 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Productivity Tips To Stay Focused
Make the most of your time with productivity tips for a focused workday in a hectic schedule.
Check The Health Of Your Wealth
Kalwyna Rathod shares tips for women to build financial wellness
How's Your Aura Doing Today?
Do you have a positively-charged aura? Prachi Rijhwani helps you find out
AGAINST ALL ODDS
SAIKA ISHAQUE's cricketing journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph against adversity, writes Kayal Arivalan
MASTERING THE ART OF TEACHING
DR SANGHAMITRA BUDDHAPRIYA talks to Ravina M Sachdev about her many accomplishments and her inspiration to become a professor
ART ATTACK
KANIKA RANKA ADANI, founder of The Studio Project, talks to Ravina M Sachdev about turning her passion into her profession
GLOBAL CRAVINGS
PLAKA in Bengaluru promises an exceptional dining experience for casual dining enthusiasts eager to explore international cuisines
TAKE A BREAK IN GANGTOK
Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is a serene choice for your summer vacation
NOURISHING THE NEW MOTHER
The right nutrition can help new mothers recover and feel stronger.
QUIT RIGHT
Pratyasha Sarkar shares ways to quit your job without burning your bridges