Manna Dey birthday special: Top 10 tracks of the late great singer

This week marks the 100th birth anniversary of the late great singer Manna Dey.

Born Prabodh Chandra Dey on May 1, 1919, he passed away aged 94 in 2013 and had a glittering career that consisted of over 4000 songs.

Although Dey excelled in a number of genres and languages, the late great singer made his biggest mark as a playback artist in commercial Hindi cinema.

So to mark his 100th birth anniversary, Eastern Eye went through his impressive back catalogue to select 10 top film tunes.

Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua from Shree 420: The 1955 film had this incredible duet between Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, which was perhaps the best ever song about a love realised. On screen, it provided one of the most iconic moments in Indian cinema with Raj Kapoor and Nargis hiding under an umbrella.

Aaja Sanam from Chori Chori: The 1956 romance had some delightful duets between Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, including the playful Jahan Mein Jati Hun and the wonderful Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi, but this was the finest. The song still oozes romance over 60 years later.

Na Tau Karvaan Ki Talash Hai from Barsaat Ki Raat: One of the longest songs ever created for Bollywood is an epic qawwali battle led by Manna Dey and Mohammed Rafi. There is an amazing interplay between the two singers in the lyrically-rich 1960 classic rooted very much in tradition, which provided a fitting finale in the film.

Aye Meri Zohra Jabeen from Waqt: This 1965 qawwali-based composition remains iconic over 50 years later. The sentiments of a married father telling his wife she is still beautiful became an anthem and would reappear in the record-breaking 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.

Aao Twist Karein from Bhoot Bangla: Manna Dey may have made a name for himself as a classical singer, but with this 1965 rock n roll number, he showed a whole other side to his repertoire. The then newcomer RD Burman also demonstrated early signs of a new musical talent who thought out-of-the-box and would change Bollywood.

Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baaje Paayaliya from Mere Huzoor: His immense singing skill was such that Manna Dey was regularly given complex classical-based songs such as this one. The vocal skills displayed by the singer on this 1968 Kathak-based number were rewarded with a National Award.

Yari Hai Imaan Mera from Zanjeer: The path-breaking action movie had this fabulous friendship song, which was sung so beautifully by the smooth-voiced legend. The 1973 song had a strong tribal folk element, which enabled the vocals to shine and express heartfelt sentiments.

Na Mangun Sona Chandi from Bobby: The smash hit 1973 romance had this uplifting duet between Manna Dey and Shailendra Singh. The catchy song incorporated a number of interesting musical influences and had a positive message of love being worth more than any material possessions.

Yeh Dosti from Sholay: Perhaps the stand-out musical moment in the 1975 curry western is this delightful duet between Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar. There have been many friendship songs in Bollywood, but none are better than this one pictured so wonderfully well on Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra.

Jiska Koi Nahin from Laawaris: The 1981 classic had two versions of this top track and the one sung by Manna Dey evoked the most emotions. The song puts across the heartfelt message that ‘those who don’t have anyone have the Almighty, who will watch over them’.