Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Narendra Modi and others mourns the demise of the King of melody, Manna Dey, on Twitter

Manna Dey, is no more.

The last of the male play back singers who dominated the air waves in the 1950 through to the 1970’s –  is no more. Manna Dey who has been fighling illness for the last six months or more, passed away in  a Banglaore hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Classically trained under Ustad Aman Ali Khan and Ustad Abdul Rahman Khan, Manna Dey sang in films in a career spanning just under 65 years. He recorded his first song in 1942 for the flm Tamanna and his last recording was in 2006 for the film Umar. 

He sang in a variety of Indian languages — Hindi and Bengali songs are what he is most known for, but he has recordings in Bhojpuri, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi and in Sindhi (to name a few). 

He was the winner of numerous awards including the Dada Phalke Award in 2007.

Some of his most well loved songs are Yeh Raat Bhigi Bhigi (Chori Chori), Kaun aaya Mere Dil ke Dwaare (Dekh Kabira Roya), Mausam Beeta Jaaye (Do Bigha Zameen), Zindagi Kaisi Yeh Paheli (Anand).

He had sung for a plethora of stars from Raj Kapoor to Rajesh Khanna, from Mithun Chakraborty to Balraj Sahani – and his music and singing always left a mark.

With his passing an era is over — the last of the great male playback singers that dominated the music industry from the 1940’s has gone.

Prominent personalities from across industries paid their homage. Here's what some of them said on Twitter:

T 1200 -Manna Dey RIP .. !! Prayers and condolences to loved ones and family ! Strange how we connect events of our life with his songs !

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) October 24, 2013

T 1200 - लोग चले जाते हैं ... समय गुज़र जाता है ... ध्वनि जीवित रहती है .. अमर हो जाती है !!

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) October 24, 2013

Manna Dey had a unique voice. He will live on through his songs Ai Meri Zohra Jabeen/ dil ka haal suney dilwala/ poocho na kaise maine RIP

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) October 24, 2013

Mannada, a Legendary singer with a golden voice, that ruled our hearts for decades, will be missed by all. Zindagi kaisi hai paheli haye.

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@mbhandarkar268) October 24, 2013

In Manna Dey, we have lost a legendary singer. His immortal voice will remain with us forever. May his soul rest in peace.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2013

Just heard about Manna Dey! Another legend leaves his legacy behind. Will be remembered for generations to come.

— Rajeev Khandelwal (@RK1610IsMe) October 24, 2013

Here are some Dey's most popular songs: