'Don't call me 90-yr-old' : Manna Dey

Late Mohammad Rafi once told a journalist that while the world listens to his songs, he listens only to Manna Dey. This year' s Dada Saheb Phalke winner in conversation with India Blooms correspondent Sreya Basu in Kolkata after the launch of his new album ' Aapki Khidmat Mein'

How is it launching an album at 90?

The only reason I am still singing at the age of 90 is because I don' t see me as an old man. I firmly believe that I am still young at heart. This is God' s grace, or else I would have sulking over my age sitting on a couch in my room. I like to look forward in life. So, don' t call me a 90-year-old man as if it' s a crime for a so-called old man to sing.

Can you tell something about this new album ' Aapki Khidmat Mein' ?

This album is a collection of all my geet and ghazals that I have sang over the decades. The songs are my out-of-circulation favourites. Such ghazals do not come out of Bengal. I know there are lapses in the singing. I wish I were 10 years younger, but the words and tunes will move you.

Do you think the Dada Saheb Phake award should have been conferred to you long back?

Better late than never (smiles). I am honoured that the Government of India found me eligible for Dada Saheb Phalke award this year. I couldn' t believe my ears when I first heard the news…I was in America at my daughter' s place at that time.

We don' t hear you sing for today' s films. Why is that?

I feel today' s music doesn' t have the magic…the melody of our times. I am not criticizing today' s music or music composers or singers; they are just catering to the contemporary demands. But personally, I would not be able to adjust myself to this kind of music and the singing that is required for such songs.

Is there not a single composer of today' s time with whom you want to work?

No, I don' t want to work with any of today' s composers. Again, I am not saying they are bad or good; but they are not my type.

What is your opinion about remixing of old songs?

I am an artiste; don' t understand the technical part of music. But I believe unless you remix an original Hindi film classic in a acceptable way, it' s better not to try that one.

Which singer is your personal favourite?

Of today' s time?

No, of all times.

It' s (Mohammad) Rafi. He used to tell journalists that while the world listens to his songs, he listens only to mine. On my part, I would wait for him to leave a song or two for me in a film (smiles). Another good friend was Hemanta (Mukherjee). He and I used to run a mutual admiration club. Whenever we met, we used to tell each other -' Why didn' t I have such a melodious voice like yours?' Another best friend was lyricist Pulok Bandopadhyay.

Who is your inspiration?

My wife Sulochana. I have struggled a lot to become the ' Manna Dey' whom you all respect today. But the pillar of strength behind my struggle is Sulochana.

How do you spend your leisure?

I love spending time with my family. While one daughter lives in America, the other is settled in Bangalore. Whenever I get time, I help her out with her business. Then there are ' addas' (long chit-chat sessions) with friends. At times I go to sing at ' Jalsas' (musical gatherings). And know what, I am not an alcoholic, but when at ' Jalsas' , I do take a peg or two. My wife knows that and thankfully doesn' t stop me.

Tell us about one thing that you used to do regularly as a child.

As a child…I don' t remember. But during my college days, I, along with my friends, used to beat the desks and sing hits of Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Frank Sinatra…those were the real English music, not the ones that you people sing. I can' t even understand the lyrics of today' s English songs…it seems thousands of crickets are chirping together.