Memories Come Alive: An Autobiography

Manna Dey looks back on his early passion for wrestling and football, his childhood experiences, his uncle and guru K. C. Dey's influence, and his first years in the Hindi film industry. He recalls working with leading composers and fellow musicians while describing the evolution of his extraordinary musical career.

Manna Dey (1919–2013) was one of India's most celebrated playback singers. Renowned for his versatility, he excelled in film songs, ghazals, bhajans, classical compositions, pop and qawwalis. His distinctive voice and command of Indian classical music made him one of the most respected singers in Indian cinema.

Sarbani Putatunda, the translator, rendered Manna Dey's Bengali autobiography into English, making his personal story accessible to a wider readership.

In Memories Come Alive, Manna Dey takes readers through the experiences that shaped his life and music. He remembers his childhood in Kolkata, his early interests and mischievous adventures, and the crucial influence of his uncle and guru K. C. Dey. The memoir then follows his move into the world of professional music, including his work as an assistant music director and his interactions with many of India's leading composers and singers. Through personal memories and anecdotes, the book offers an intimate behind-the-scenes account of the Indian film-music industry and the life of one of its most enduring voices.