Legendary playback singer Manna Dey, the voice behind hit songs like Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli and Chalat Musafir Moh Liya Re Pinjare Wali Muniya, died at the age of 94. We bring to you some of his greatest hits.
Legendary playback singer Manna Dey, the voice behind hit songs like Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli and Chalat Musafir Moh Liya Re Pinjare Wali Muniya, died at the age of 94.
We bring to you some of his greatest hits.
Yeh Dosti (Sholay, 1975)
The ultimate buddy song, Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar made Yeh Dosti one of Sholay's most popular numbers. Picturised on Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, the song was composed by R D Burman and written by Anand Bakshi.
Ek Chatur Naar (Padosan, 1968)
Another Manna-Kishore duet, Ek Chatur Naar was a sing-off between actors Sunil Dutt, playing a country bumpkin, and Mehmood, the heroine's South Indian music teacher. Manna Dey, who sang for Mehmood, was reportedly unhappy that the music teacher loses the contest to an untrained singer. But he sang anyway and made R D Burman's music and Rajendra Krishan words magical.
Ae Meri Zohrajabeen (Waqt, 1965)
One of Manna Dey's best-known songs, this number was made popular all over again when actor Amrish Puri sang a snatch of it in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Picturised on Balraj Sahni and Achala Sachdev, the original song was composed by Ravi and written by Sahir Ludhianvi.
Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua (Shree 420, 1955)
Raj Kapoor and Nargis singing in the rain has become one of Indian cinema's most immortal moments. This romantic track, a duet with Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey, was composed by Shankar Jaikishan and written by Shailendra.
Yaari Hai Imaan Mera (Zanjeer, 1973)
The landmark Zanjeer's best known song was picturised not on it's hero, Amitabh Bachchan in his first Angry Young Man role, but on the hero's friend, a burly Pathan played by actor Pran. Manna Dey was nominated for Best Male Playback Singer at the Filmfare Awards. The music was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji and written by Gulshan Bawra.
Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli ( Anand, 1971)
Before Kishore Kumar became Rajesh Khanna's near-exclusive singing voice, Manna Dey gave the superstar one of his earliest and best-loved hits. The song was composed by Salil Chaudhary and written by Yogesh.
Poochho Na Kaise Maine Rain Bitaayi ( Meri Surat Teri Aankhen, 1963)
This is a classic for lovers of sad songs. Picturised on Ashok Kumar, the song was composed by S.D Burman and written by Shailendra.
Chalat Musafir Moh Liya Re Pinjare Wali Muniya (Teesri Kasam, 1966)
Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman's rural drama was made magical by Manna Dey's voice. Music by Shankar-Jaikishen, lyrics by Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri.
Yeh Raat Bheegi-Bheegi (Chori Chori, 1956)
Raj Kapoor and Nargis's remake of Hollywood hit It Happened One Night featured a superhit duet by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar. Music by Shankar Jaikishan, lyrics by Shailendra.
Zindagi Hai Khel (Seeta Aur Geeta, 1972)
Dharmendra and Hema Malini make merry in this carefree duet sung by Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle in the hit comedy. Music by R.D.Burman, lyrics by Salim-Javed.
Ae Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo (Mera Naam Joker, 1970)
Despite being a box office disaster, Raj Kapoor's magnum opus was beloved in many ways. For one, Manna Dey won the National and Filmfare awards for Best Male Playback Singer. Music by Shankar Jaikishan, words by Neeraj.
Kasme Vaade Pyaar Wafa Sab (Upkar, 1967)
The musical showpiece of patriotic film Upkar was Mere Desh Ki Dharti, sung by Mahendra Kapoor, but Manna Dey's melodious number played no small part in elevating actor Manoj Kumar to star status. The song was composed by Kalyanji Anandji and written by Indeevar.
Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh (Shree 420, 1955)
This mesmerising song, picturised on Raj Kapoor and Nadira, remains an evergreen Manna Dey number. Music by Shankar-Jaikishan, lyrics by Shailendra.
Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala (Shri 420, 1955)
This merry song was picturised on Raj Kapoor, (who plays an educated orphan in the movie) singing among the street dwellers of Bombay.
Masti Bhara Hai Sama (Parvarish, 1958)
Manna Dey's peppy number, captured the whiff of romance between Raj Kapoor and Mala Sinha.
Ae Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo (Mera Naam Joker, 1970)
Manna Dey was at his swinging best in this song picturised on Raj Kapoor.
Laga Chunari Mein Daag (Dil Hi Toh Hai, 1963)
The hilarious classical number was picturised on a doddering old man (Raj Kapoor), sitting on the stage performing this song while a young classical dancer matched steps to his tune.
Ae Mere Pyaare Watan (Kabuliwala, 1961) The poignant patriotic song
sung with great emotion by Manna Dey, picturised on an acquaintance of the protagonist, evokes immense passion in whoever listens to it till this day. It is Manna Dey's voice which provides the rhythm to the song rather than the orchestral music.
O Meri Mynah Tu Maan Le Mera Kehna (Pyaar Kiye Jaa, 1966) This
peppy madcap number, featuring Mehmood and Mumtaz, was a delightful example of Manna Dey's versatility.
Chunari Sambhal Gori (Baharon Ke Sapne, 1967)
Manna Dey did full justice to this naughty chartbuster picturised on character actor Anwar Hussain.
