MUMBAI: 1919 saw births of three gigantic musicians of India-Ustad Allarakha, Shamshad Begum and Manna Dey. All three of them completed their centenary years in 2019. Musicians par excellence, all three of them contributed to the Indian music world in their own gracious ways. Yesterday, on 1 May, we celebrated legendary singer Manna Dey’s 100^th birthday. In his career spanning for over six decades, Manna Dey gave memorable and variety of songs. While he sang in multiple Indian languages, his songs in Hindi reached the maximum audience. So, on him completing his centenary year, we have listed below some of the best numbers by the legend.

Pucho Na Kaise Maine - Meri Surat Teri Aankhen

One of the most famous songs sung by Manna Dey, Pucho Na Kaise is pictured on Ashok Kumar and composed by S D Burman. A solemn-looking Ashok Kumar singing while playing tanpura is an image that one thinks of when the song is played.

Ek Chatur Naar - Padoson

This mad song is a complete change from Manna Dey’s serious and straight image. A continuous banter between Sunil Dutt’s character and Mehmood’s character is a hilarious set-up. What makes the situation funny is the apt playback by Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey respectively. Singers of today confess it to be the most difficult song to sing, Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar made this song an epic!

Ae Mere Pyare Watan - Kabuliwala

The specialty of songs from that era is that they are still heard. Every Independence Day or Republic Day, one gets to hear this song, a refreshing change from the otherwise noise blaring from speakers. A patriotic song from Kabuliwala is etched in our minds.

Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli - Anand

A philosophical song pictured on the ever-smiling Rajesh Khanna, who is terminally ill, is a delight to ears. A beautiful composition by Salil Choudhary was given complete justice by Manna Dey.

Yaari Hai Imaan - Zanjeer

 This song has become a friendship anthem since it released. A gregarious Pran dancing in the unique Pathan style to a peppy tune got forever etched in our minds.

Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua - Shree 420

Pictured on Raj Kapoor and Nargis, Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua is a song that is close to every romantic heart. A visual from this song is the emblem of R K Films, a production company of Raj Kapoor.

Na Mangun Sona Chandi - Bobby

An extremely young and vibrant song, Na Mangun Sona Chandi speaks of banter between two teenage lovers. The movie went on to become one of the biggest hits and so did the songs. Manna Dey co-sung the song with Lata Mangeshkar.

Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandani - Chori Chori

Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandani is yet another romantic song sung by Manna Dey that has gone down the list of timeless music. The soft and alluring tune with the voices of Manna Dey and Asha Bhosale is cherished song In the library of romantic songs.

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag - Dil Hi Toh Hai

This song became his identity. A classical based song features Raj Kapoor in disguise and is from film Dil Hi Toh Hai. Years later, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag was released in a female version for a movie named after the hook phrase Laaga Chunari Mein Daag starring Rani Mukerji. The song credits Roshan and Omi Sonik as joint composers.

Tum Bin Jeevan - Bawarchi

Tum Bin Jeevan is a semi-dream sequence, composed by Madan Mohan. It is a poignant number featuring Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Bachchan.