Manna Dey

Nephew of the celebrated actor and singer K.C. Dey, Prabodh Chandra Dey, better known by his nickname Manna Dey, was born on May 1st, 1919, in Calcutta, India, to Purna Chandra Dey and Mahamaya Dey. He was well educated and on his way to becoming a barrister, but he dropped out of school to follow his dream and make music his profession. His uncle K.C. Dey was greatly influential in Manna Dey pursuing a Singing Career. He married Sulochana Kumaran from Kerala on December 18th, 1953. He has also toured worldwide, delivering astounding performances each time. In 1965 he visited Trinidad and performed at the Naparima Bowl to a packed house, which up to this day, remains one of the most memorable and outstanding performances to have occurred on that stage. He was accompanied by musician Manohari Singh, the great Saxaphone player. Some of the selections he sang were Aye Mere Pyare Watan, Bhagat Ke Bas Me Hai Bhagwan and Poocho Na Kaise Maine. The government of India honoured him in 1971, with the Padma Shri Award, in 2005, with the Padma Bhushan Award, and in 2009, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Recently in 2011, he was also presented with the Filmfare Life Time Achievement Award. In the early 1980's Skinner Park in San Fernando, Trinidad came alive with a magical performance by the very versatile Manna Dey accompanied by the captivating Kavita Krishnamurthy. Over the years he has brought to life wonderful bhajans like Vaishnav Jan To, Sur Na Saje, Aum Jai Jai Jai Mahadev, Bhajo Re Man Govardhana Giridhari and many more. Laga Chunri Men Daag, Tere Naina Talash, Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baaje Payaliya, Lapak Jhapak Tu Aare Badarwa are some of the Classical songs made popular by this musical genius.  Manna Dey also sang many Bengali hits like Aami Sagorero Bela Tumi, Tui Amer Putul, Tumi Anek Jatno Kore and many more master pieces. The millions of fans across the globe never get tired of the very lively and energetic renditions of this musical genius. We have also added a verbal Biography of the enchanting Manna Dey by Chandra Maharaj, with a sample of a song at the end. Please take a moment to listen to it. After struggling with ill-health for a little over five months, the legendary Manna Dey died in Bangalore, India, on Oct. 24, 2013. Lata Mangeshkar expressed these sentiments, "Today, great classical singer Manna Dey sahab, who we fondly called Manna Da, is not among us anymore. He had a very pleasant and easy personality. He was very dedicated to his work. I salute him and pray that his soul rests in peace." The loss of this great icon would be felt worlwide by his family, friends and fans.  For the many fans of the late Manna Dey worldwide, we have added  Audio & Video Samples of this Musical Genius for your total enjoyment.  (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2023)