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Manna Dey Vinyl Records

Manna Dey (1919–2013), born Prabodh Chandra Dey in Calcutta, was the playback singer Hindi film composers turned to when a song needed real classical training. He learned first from his uncle, the singer and composer Krishna Chandra Dey, later studied under Ustad Dabir Khan, and moved to Bombay in 1942 to assist his uncle and then S.D. Burman. Over the following decades he sang the raga-based numbers few of his contemporaries could carry — alongside comic songs, qawwalis and some of the warmest duets of the period. He was honoured with the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and recorded extensively in Bengali as well as Hindi.

The records in this collection

These are original Hindi film soundtracks on which Manna Dey is a credited voice — 45 LPs and 13 EPs, not solo artist albums. As was standard at the time, most carry his songs alongside other singers from the same film: Mohammed Rafi appears on ten of these records, Asha Bhosle on eight, Mukesh on seven and Lata Mangeshkar on six. The composers span the golden age, with Shankar-Jaikishan, Ravi, Roshan, Sonik-Omi and C. Ramchandra all represented. Titles such as Shree 420, Dil Hi To Hai and Anubhav show the range — the light Raj Kapoor-era duets at one end, the classical set pieces at the other. Most were pressed in India by The Gramophone Company of India on the HMV, Angel and Odeon labels, with later titles carrying EMI India sleeves.

Buying Manna Dey vinyl from us

Every record is graded honestly, sleeve and vinyl separately, with visible faults photographed and described rather than glossed over. Indian pressings of this age vary a great deal — pressing quality, storage and humidity all leave their mark — so read each listing carefully. Thirteen of the records here are graded Near Mint and a few are still sealed. We ship worldwide from Bengaluru in rigid mailers, and we are happy to answer questions about a specific copy before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Manna Dey records valuable?
It depends on the title, the pressing and above all the condition. His classical-leaning numbers and the well-known Raj Kapoor titles are the ones collectors chase, and a clean copy with an intact cover commands a real premium over a played one. Original pressings are generally preferred over later reissues.

Are these Manna Dey solo albums?
No. These are original film soundtrack LPs and EPs on which Manna Dey is one of the credited voices. Most also feature other singers from the same film — duet partners and songs picturised on other characters — which is exactly how these records were issued at the time.

Do you stock his Bengali recordings?
Only occasionally. Manna Dey recorded a large Bengali catalogue, but our stock is drawn mainly from Hindi film soundtracks. If you are looking for a specific Bengali title, write to us and we will tell you honestly whether we have it or expect it.