Music fraternity remembers Manna Dey

By Subhash K. Jha -

October 25, 2013 - 10:32 AM IST

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan: "After Lata Mangeshkar, he was the only well-trained classical singer. Some of his songs are immortal. There are certain compositions that only he could sing. I wrote a column on him when he was suffering in the ICU in Bangalore. He was well looked after by his daughter and son-in-law in his last years. May his soul rest in peace. We will always miss him. Khuda Hafiz... Alvida."

Ayushmann Khurrana: "It's a sad day for the Indian music industry. He was a legend among male playback singers along with Mohd Rafi Saab and Kishoreda. He was maestro of Hindustani classical music with a unique voice texture. From 'Laaga chunri mein daag' to 'Yaari hai imaan mera', one can gauge his versatile voice range."

Talat Aziz: "A great singer and personality from an era of greats. One of the most versatile singers and classically trained, he yet rendered all kinds of songs. He performed on stage at an age when most artistes are long retired. And he was down-to-earth. A true artiste."

Adnan Sami: "Manna-da was the master of melodious singing. His classical training was so strong and he was so grounded to brilliance that every song, he sang was flawless. I've a lot of favourite Manna Dey songs. But my most favourite is 'Tum bin jeevan kaisa jeevan' in the film Bawarchi. Every time I hear this Madan Mohan composition I get goosebumps. I knew Manna-da was not well. But still, his going was tough for me to handle."

Mohit Chauhan: "Manna Dey Saab was a truly extraordinary singer and a creative genius. Just see the range of his songs. With his passing away the old bastion further crumbles. He was the last of the great male voices of the golden era of Hindi film music. He made our screen heroes look larger than life. His music was magic."

Roop Kumar Rathod: "He was the 'Sultan of Sur ' in the music industry for over 6 decades. The compositions rendered by him are textbooks on singing. It would be no exaggeration to say he was a gharana in himself."

Vishal Dadlani: "One of the greatest musical lights to ever shine has left us. Thankfully he leaves behind the truly immortal legacy of his songs. His songs will always be treasured and he will always be remembered and profoundly missed."

Shekhar Ravjiani: "The legend is no more. But his music will live in our hearts forever. RIP, Sir Manna Dey."

Nitin Mukesh: "Deeply aggrieved by the passing away of dear Manna-da. He was a legend and an icon and an institution. Generations of fans would love him and successive generations of singers would try to emulate his style of singing and be regaled by his evergreen melodies. His going is an irreparable loss to the nation. On a personal note, I will miss an uncle who was an inspiration and very kind and encouraging to me. He was a very close friend of my beloved grandfather (the legendary singer Mukesh). Farewell, Mannada."

Shantanu Moitra: "He was a singers' singer. The top singer of his times! I always wondered how he sang the most difficult songs so effortlessly! He possessed a supreme mastery over his craft and yet he underplayed his skills before the mike. There will never be another singer like him."

Sajid-Wajid: "He lived his life as an individual and a musician to the fullest. May he live as long as music is alive. RIP."