Manna Dey rues lack of hardwork in Bollywood music
He continues to enthrall with his golden voice even at the age of 90, but legendary singer Manna Dey feels today's musicians lack ingenuity.
The Dada Saheb Phalke winner, who gave Hindi cinema gems like 'Poochho Na Kaise', 'Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli' and 'Upar Gagan Vishal', says a lot of hard work went into making of a song in old days.
"We used to rehearse for three to four days on a composition which eventually was made into a song with contributions from the music director, song writer and film producer," Dey told PTI.
"But this is no longer the trend in the film industry. On the spot song compositions make it like a factory-made product. Ingenuity is lacking," the singer added.
His advise to young and budding singers is to adopt a regime of rehearsal to maintain the high standard of music that has been the mark of Bollywood music.
"I can only pray to the God Almighty to give these young singers the good sense to think on how to compose and sign. Indian music has a very rich and tremendous heritage," said Dey, who performed for a sold out 'Manna Dey in the Flesh' concert in Singapore.
Looking back at the golden period of Hindi music, Dey remembered the days of working with India's top producer and actor Raj Kapoor and his actor brother Shammi Kapoor as well as music directors Naushad, Ravi and Shanker-Jaikishen.
"There was devotion and dedication. Raj Kapoor would sit through the composition and rehearsals, and at times enact scenes to get the right tempo in the song. Phrases in songs were re-worded to ensure it created the right impact," said Dey, who sang several memorable songs in Raj Kapoor's films like 'Awara', 'Shri 420' and 'Chori Chori'.
"In the past, we had dedication and commitment to each and every song and music composition," he said, adding that rehearsing and recording for Raj Kapoor's film used to be a day-long industry event, which at times would start at 10am and continue till mid-night.
Dey, who began signing in the early 1940s, also laments the lack of recognition for the music directors and song writers in the past. "These were the vital contributors to the final song but, alas, praises were mostly showered on the main singer," he said.
Dey, who has more than 3,500 songs to his credit, dominated the Hindi music industry from the 1950s to 1970s with his distinctive voice since his debut with film 'Tamanna' in 1943.
The most memorable songs by Dey include 'Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua', 'Laga Chunri Mein Daag', 'Ae Meri Zohrazabi', 'Sur Na Saje Kya Gaun Main', 'Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala', 'Aye Meri Zohara', 'Na To Karanwa Ki Talash Hai', 'Aye Mere Pyare Vatan' and 'Chunari Sambhal Gori'.
