Krishna Chandra Dey was one of the leading musicians of Bengal cinema, particularly the New Theatres` of Kolkata, in an era dominated by stalwarts such as Kundan Lal Saigal and Pankaj Mullick. It was K.C. Dey, who influenced Manna Dey to take to music. Otherwise he would have ended up as a barrister, which his chartered accountant father wanted him to be.
Krishna Chandra Dey was born in Kolkata in 1904. He developed a strong liking for kites at the age of 13 and his lust for kite flying ultimately lost his eyesight, which he lost because of flying kites in strong daylight. Thereafter, he became “Andh Kaviâ€. After having lost his vision, his love for music grew very intensely and he received intense training in music under various renowned experts including Ustaad Dabbeer Khan.
Early life of Krishna Chandra Dey
Krishna Chandra Dey used to sing for films of Kolkata"s East India Company (of Kardar Saheb) and New Theatres. Among the films to which Krishna Chandra Dey rendered his voice of rich timbre were Puran Bhagat, Devadas (in Hindi language and Bengali language, directed by Pramatesh Chandra Barua), Vidyapathi, Dhartimatha, and Bhagyachakra by Nitin Bose. His song "Jao Jao Aye Mere Sadhu" from the New Theatres` film Puran Bhagat (1933), with hardly any orchestra, except perhaps the harmonium and the cymbals, still enthralls music lovers who prefer the pristine film music of old to the high decibel sing-song which is the only film music today`s children know of.
Krishna Chandra Dey used to travel to Mumbai for his recordings. He sang `Bhagwaan Karega Madad Teri.` and `Na Ranj Kar Badnaseeb Bharat.` in Educated Wife (1934). Finally he shifted to Mumbai in 1942.
In Mumbai, he tried his hands in Music Direction too, apart from singing. His noticeable films were `Badalti Duniya` and `Devdasi`, where he was also the Music Director. He was not comfortable in Mumbai, where he started degrading. His songs and music started lacking his original natural touch. Thereafter, he returned to Kolkata in 1946 and people gradually forgot the melody of his magnificent voice. He passed away in 1962, in Kolkata leaving no one behind since he remained bachelor.
Krishna Chandra Dey had an unparalleled voice. No other singer of his era or times to follow could match his talent. His voice had the magical effect to touch the heart of every Indians
This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com