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 9,000+ 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 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Make An Unconventional Career Choice
Don't be afraid to explore unusual career choices if you truly want to pursue your passion. These options will get you started.
Cut Your Ex Off
Is your ex still stuck in your life? Here's how to part ways.
Don't Miss These Mental Health Red Flags
When women often juggle multiple roles, it's easy to overlook subtle signs of mental health issues
MOVE INTO THRIVE MODE
Build healthy work habits that will benefit you.
DON'T GET PAPER CLIPPED
Apparently, ghosting isn't the worst thing that can happen when you're dating.
LOVE IN VANISH MODE
Though its name is based on Casper the Friendly Ghost, there's nothing friendly about this new dating trend.
THE BOSS LADY!
With a film career spanning over two decades, NAYANTHARA is a superstar not just onscreen but off screen as well!
STAY SAFE IN THE SALON
Keratin treatments work to combat frizzy hair, but be cautious, warn experts.
A LASTING LEGACY
DIPA KARMAKAR, an iconic name in Indian gymnastics, has announced her retirement. Kayal Arivalan speaks to the champion about her illustrious career
EMPOWER WITH CRITICISM
Here's how to be positive with your criticism when it comes to your subordinates.