Pranab Mukherjee condoles passing away of Manna Dey

President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday condoled the passing of legendary singer Manna Dey, saying the nation has lost a creative genius who mesmerized listeners with his enchanting voice.

In a condolence message to his daughter, Shumita Deb, Mukherjee said: "In the passing away of Manna Dey, the nation has lost a veteran playback singer, a versatile artist of extraordinary ability and a creative genius who mesmerized listeners with his enchanting voice."

"The unique style of singing of this multi-talented singer shall always be remembered. The melodious songs sung in several languages that he has left behind will continue to enthrall music lovers forever," he added.

Dey died at the age of 94 at a Bangalore hospital following a recurring lung infection and renal failure early this morning.

Born Prabodh Chandra Dey on May 1, 1919, the versatile singer began his playback career in 1942-43 with the film Tamanna and sang over 3500 songs in Hindi, Bengali, Assamese and other regional languages.

The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 1971, the Padma Bhushan in 2005 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2007.

Dey's greatest hits include 'Ae meri zohrajabeen' from the film Waqt (1965), 'Puchho na kaise bitayi raina' (Meri Surat Teri Ankhen, 1963), 'Pyar hua ikrar hua' (Shree 420, 1955) and 'Ek chatur naar' (Padosan, 1968).