He continues to enthral with his golden voice even at the age of 90, but legendary singer Manna Dey feels today's musicians lack ingenuity.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, who gave Hindi cinema gems like Poochho Na Kaise, Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli and Upar Gagan Vishal, says a lot of hard work went into the making of a song in the old days.
"We used to rehearse for three to four days on a composition which eventually was made into a song with contributions from the music director, songwriter and film producer," Dey said.
"But this is no longer the trend in the film industry. On-the-spot song compositions make it like a factory-made product. Ingenuity is lacking," the singer said.
His advice to young singers is to adopt a regime of rehearsals to maintain the high standard of music that has been the mark of Bollywood.
"I can only pray to God Almighty to give these young singers the good sense to think how to compose and sing. Indian music has a very rich and tremendous heritage," said Dey, who performed for a sold-out 'Manna Dey in the Flesh' concert in Singapore.
Looking back at the golden period of Hindi music, Dey remembered the days of working with India's top producer and actor Raj Kapoor and his actor brother Shammi Kapoor as well as music directors Naushad, Ravi and Shanker-Jaikishen.
"There was devotion and dedication. Raj Kapoor would sit through the composition and rehearsals, and at times enact scenes to get the right tempo in the song. Phrases in songs were re-worded to ensure it created the right impact," said Dey, who sang several memorable songs in Kapoor's films like Awara, Shri 420 and Chori Chori.
"In the past, we had dedication and commitment to each and every song and music composition," he said, adding that rehearsing and recording for Raj Kapoor's film used to be a day-long industry event, which at times would start at 10am and continue till midnight.
Dey, who began singing in the early 1940s, also laments the lack of recognition for music directors and songwriters in the past. "These were the vital contributors to the final song but, alas, praises were mostly showered on the main singer," he said.
Dey, who has more than 3,500 songs to his credit, dominated the Hindi music industry from the 1950s to the 1970s with his distinctive voice since his debut with film Tamanna in 1943.
The most memorable songs by Dey include Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua, Laga Chunri Mein Daag, Ae Meri Zohrazabi, Sur Na Saje Kya Gaun Main, Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala, Na To Karawan Ki Talash Hai, Aye Mere Pyare Vatan and Chunari Sambhal Gori.
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