Legendary playback singer Manna Dey passed away at a private hospital in Bangalore following a prolonged illness. Doctors said, 94-year old singer breathed his last at 3.50 AM today. He was suffering from lung infection. He has sung more than 3,500 songs in a number languages including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi and Assamese. He made his debut as a playback singer in the film Tamanna in 1942. He was given Padma Shri in 1971, Padma Bhushan in 2005 and Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2007.

Manna Dey became famous after the release of “Do Bigha Zamin” in 1953 when two of his songs composed by Salil Choudhury became hits. Among other music directors, he worked with Anil Biswas, SD Burman, RD Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan and Laxmikant Pyarelal. Family sources said, his mortal remains will be kept at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bangalore till noon for paying homage and will be cremated in the evening.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the passing away of the legendary singer Manna Dey. In his message Dr. Manmohan Singh said he had a unique voice and excelled in Rabindra Sangeet and other forms of popular music. Dr. Singh said that Manna Dey's legacy will live on through the songs he sang.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have condoled the sad demise of the legendary singer.