KIFF theme song pays tribute to Manna Dey

In a fitting tribute to legendary singer Manna Dey, who passed away recently, the official theme song of the 19th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which was launched here Friday, incorporates lyrics from one of Dey's famous Bengali renditions.

Manna Dey passed away Oct 24 after a prolonged illness. He was 94.

Lyrics from Dey's cult hit "Jibone Ki Paabo Na" from the 1969 film "Tin Bhubaner Paarey" finds place in the opening notes of the KIFF anthem "Cinema Jono Gono". The song has been composed and sung by Bengali singer-songwriter Nachiketa Chakraborty.

"The lyrics 'Samne ja dekhi janina seki asol ki nakal sona' are a part of the theme song," said Nachiketa.

The audio will be soon followed by a full-blown video album.

KIFF is scheduled to be inaugurated by megastar Amitabh Bachchan here Nov 10, and would be graced by a number of luminaries, including superstar Shah Rukh Khan - also the state's brand ambassador - as also versatile actor Kamal Haasan.

Late filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh's unreleased film "Taak Jhaank" will be screened for the first time in the inaugural ceremony of KIFF.