It was an evening of music and laughter at the Chowdaiah Memorial on Saturday for none other than renowned singer Manna Dey entertained the audience with his treasure trove of songs. And conversing with him and taking many down sweet memory lane was Ameen Sayani, the man of yester-year radio famous for his golden voice.
The programme started with singer Divya Raghavan, who set the tone for the evening with beautiful songs Tu Daani Tu Antaryaami, Piya tose nayna laage re, Aao huzur tumko and others.
Then came Ameen Sayani, who stated his affection for Banaglore, and introduced Manna Dey, who has made Bangalore his home.
Manna Dey enthralled the crowd with some of his most memorable songs, like Dil ka haal sune dilwaala, Ab kahan jaaye hum, Tere haat haat mein aa gaya among others, all to great applause from the audience. His powerful voice, and the depth he provided to the songs seemed to defy his 87 years of age. Even as he sang, his hands continually moved on his harmonium. His accompanists too complemented him very well.
He sang a number of his more naughty songs, Lapak japak tu aare… and Aye mere zohara zabi, which was eagerly awaited by the audience. His songs were matched by the witty jokes and anecdotes shared by K C Khurana, a Shayaar, poet and compere who has been with Manna Dey through his singing career. He also sang some of his all-time popular duets with Divya. They sang Jahan mein jaati hoon, wahi chale aate ho, Tu chupi hein kahan and Yeh raat bheegi bheegi.
What set the concert apart from many others was stream of conversation that Ameen kept up with Manna dey, reminiscing about the many music directors from Anil Biswas to S D Burman. He also sang songs like Laaga chunari mein daag on Ameen's farmaish.
The evening was long over, and the programme nearing its end, but the audience continued to request their favourite songs from the singer. It was only after the organisers promised to be back with more of Manna Dey, that everyone made a move, no doubt filled with the memories of a grand musical journey.
