Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) and the High Commission of India in Bangladesh organized a special musical evening at Gulshan Avenue in the city to commemorate the birth centenary year of the legendary singer of the subcontinent, Padmabhushan Manna Dey.

The performing artists were Indian singer Dr. Amitabha Chanda (a renowned neurosurgeon, who had blessings of Manna Dey), Bangladeshi singer Mridula Samadder, and Bangladeshi elocutionist Samiul Islam Poluck.

Dr. Amitabha Chanda sang 16 songs (Bengali and Hindi), sung by the maestro, in a packed auditorium. The audience got enthralled by the melodious voice, style and classical touch of Amitabha. Respect and love for Manna Dey was glaringly obvious in Amitabha's songs. Amitabha knew Manna Dey personally and his reminiscence about the maestro's life and music, anecdotes and history of making each song was cherry on the cake for the audience. Mridula Samadder accompanied Amitabha in four duet songs. She did a commendable job. It was a pleasure to listen to Samiul Islam Poluck's narrative in his baritone voice.

The program started with offering of floral tribute to the portrait of the legend by Dr. Neepa Chowdhury Director of IGCC, Biswadeep Dey, the Deputy High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh, Dr. Nitish Birdi, Minister, Consular and Education, Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, and the performing artists. A number of celebrities both from Bangladesh and India were present and enjoyed the evening thoroughly.

The legendary internationally-acclaimed singer and composer, Manna Dey, was born on May 1, 1919. He was one of the brightest stars in the golden era of Indian music.