The morning today was flooded with messages and tweets about Manna Da’s demise. For once, I was hoping this was yet another false rumour on the social media, just like the one a few months back. The fate disappointed me this time. Manna Da rendered Bhairavi of his life during the wee hours of this morning. Another legend left for heavenly abode, leaving behind a legacy that is unmatched.
A musical journey that started in 1942, spanned 6 decades. During this marvellous ride, Dada gave us some unforgettable melodies that make him immortal. He will reside in the hearts of Indians all over the world with his music.

Manna Da created a space for himself in an era of legends like Mohd. Rafi, Kishor Kumar Mukesh & Talat Mehamood. He carved a niche for himself by blending Classical Music into Film Music. He was the de-facto choice of all Music Directors for Classical based compositions. It is said that he would make Notations for songs before recording, so that he could record it with perfections; something no singer has ever done. Manna Da immortalized many Classical based songs. He also gave us some of the most beautiful romantic, patriotic and funny songs as well. His versatility was beyond imagination.

Numerous such melodies of his are doing rounds in the mind since morning and giving sense of a void that he has left behind. Here is a list of 10 Songs – from 4000 odd songs he sang across various languages – that are close to me. I am too small to apply any rating to his work. However, as a fan of his, this is a tribute to him by remembering his most beautiful creations that he has left behind.

1. Poochho Na Kaise Maine Rain Beetai

A beautiful melody in Raag Ahir Bhairav from the film “Teri Surat Meri Aankhen” composed by S. D. Burman. The pain of an ugly looking Ashok Kumar rendered by Manna Da brings Goose Bump even after 50 yrs.

2. Aayo Kahan Se Ghanshaam

Another marvellous classical based composition by Panchamda in Raag Khamaj comes from the Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film Buddha Mil Gaya. Listen for the beautiful Style inspired from traditional Thumri.

3. Aye Mere Pyaare Watan

This is one of the best Patriotic Songs ever made in Hindi Film Industry. Manna Da brings the soul to it with his gifted voice. It describes the plight of Indians who are settled in foreign lands but still have their heart back home.

4. Ek Chatur Naar

Only a Genius combo of Panchamda, Kishor Kumar and Manna Da could create a funny song with a strong classical base as Ek Chatur Naar. This remains a cult even today.

5. Ketaki Gulab Juhi

A pure classical Bandish in Raag Basant and Drut Ektaal. It was possibly only Manna Da from the then contemporary playback singers who could even attempt to render this composition along with Pt. Bhomsen Joshi. In fact, it is said that Manna Da was embarrassed with the situation in the film where this song is shown as a competition and the character with Panditji's voice is shown defeated.

6. Zindagi Kaisi hai Paheli

Anand - The film that remains one of the best by Rajesh Khanna and this song truly characterizes the synopsis of the film

7. Kasme Waade Pyaar Wafa

What a composition! From the film Upkaar. “Dete Hain Bhagvaak ko Dhokha, Insaan ko kya Chhodenge” epitomizes the situation we are in today. The depth in Manna Da’s voice made this seemingly negative song immortal.

8. Tu Pyar Ka Sagar Hai

This melodious composition from the Film Seema is still very close to millions even after almost 60 yrs. Such was the power of Music of that era, where Manna Da belonged.

9. Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi

This is one of the many romantic sweet melodies that Manna Da gave us. Film Chori Chori (1956). I think, next to Mukesh, it was Manna Da who rendered his voice the most for Raj Kapoor.

10. Laga Chunari Mein Daag

And finally the Bhairavi. The amazingly beautiful composition by Roshan, based on a traditional Thumri, is possibly the best Bhairavi in Hindi Film Music. Thousands of Musical “Maifils” so far have concluded with the “Tarana” of Laga Chunari Mein Daag. I had the pleasure of watching Manna Da perform this Tarana live when he was already 92 yrs. Notwithstanding his age, his rendering had the same energy and “lay” as the orginal 50 yrs back.

There are many many more. I know you would expect Pyar Hua Iqaraar hua, Zoharajabi, Yaari hai Imaan and so on. A blog like this is too small a canvas to capture even a glimpse of Manna Da's genius.

Manna Da, I feel fortunate to have lived in a time when I could hear you live, although at your age of 92. Our Music of today desperately needs you back Dada.
Take a re-birth and come back to save us from the septic of Lungees and Pungees.