Manna Dey: Everything you wanted to know about him

Manna Dey, the pioneer of Indian music passed away today. Renowned as the man with a golden voice, Manna Dey's contributions to the world of Indian music can never be forgotten

Manna Dey was christened as Probodh Chandra Dey by his parents. Manna Dey had a keen interest in wrestling and boxing, and he excelled at both. He was also popular for the pranks he played at his school and college friends.

Manna Dey realised his passion for singing during school days, when he won the award of Best Singer for three consecutive years in school. Due to his active participation in extra curricular activities he was always considered a leader among his friends.

At school, Manna Dey used to take singing lessons from his uncle Krishna Chandra Dey and Ustad Dabir Khan. After he started working independently, he continued taking music lessons from stalwarts like Ustad Aman Ali Khan and Ustad Abdul Rahman Khan.

Manna Dey started his career in playback singing with the film Tamanna in 1943. He sang his first song with Suraiya. And after that there was no looking back for him. Some of the most popular Manna Dey songs were - Ek Chathur Naar (Padosan), Aye Mere Pyare Watan, Laga Chunari Mein Daag and many others.

In 1970, he won the National Award as playback singer for 'Nishi Padmo' (Bengali film). In 1971, he was honoured with the Padmashree Award. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Govt of Maharashtra, in 2005. He has also been awarded the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, Yesudas Award, PC Chandra Award. In 2011, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Filmfare. 

Manna Dey married Sulochana Kumaran in 1953, who died of cancer last year

He is survived by his daughters Shuroma and Sumita