Manna Dey cherishes Dadasaheb Phalke award

Manna Dey, the legendary singing maestro, who has rendered hundreds of memorable classical and film songs termed receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke award as a great achievement in his life.

He said this at a reception that was hosted in his honour here on Monday.

"Receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is supposed to be the topmost award of the Indian film industry, itself is a great achievement of my life...I would never forget that the Indian government thought that I could deserve this award. I am thankful to the government and to the people for this," said Manna Dey.

Earlier on Monday, the 90-year old singing maestro also released a collection of Ghazals and songs, which have been sung by him over the last two decades.

The album is titled Aapki Khidmat Mein.

Born in 1919, Manna Dey made a mark in Hindi cinema from the 1950s to the 1970s. He has recorded more than 3,500 songs in his charismatic career.