MUMBAI: Singing legend Manna Dey's contribution to music has been finally recognised by the nation at the age of 90 with the conferring of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2007 for his outstanding contribution to the field of cinema.

The singer has more than 3500 songs to his credit and was part of the musical era of 50's and 60's. His all-time hits include Sur na saje kya gaun main..., Puchho na kaise maine rain bitayee..., Laga chunari main daag..., Aaja sanam madhur chandani mein hum..., Dil ka haal sune dilwala..., Ye raat bhigi bhigi, ye masta fijzayen..., Jhanak jhanak tori baaje payaliya..., Tu pyar ka saagar hai..., Chunari sambhal gori udi chali jaye re... apart from several others 

Though the award has gladdened his fans, many feel that with such a prolific career, the recognition has come too late for him  Not just for Dey, but for several music luminaries who have carved their names in the music roll of history, but have had recognition either come too late or not at all to them.

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi received the Bharat Ratna Award at the age of 86 last year, Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, well into his 60s, was the receipant of the Padmashri  Award ealier this year and veteran playback Shamshad begum who won the Padma Bhushan at the age of 80 in 2008  Many industry insiders and fans have expressed their displeasure against the delayed recognition of such maestros  

Rues yesteryears music director Omi Sonik, Manna Dey deserved the award much earlier. But then, unlike Kishore Kumar or few other singers, he was never in the limelight. Amongst the classical singers back then, he was undoubtedly one of the best. Most of these awardees stayed away from publicity keeping away from public eye. They belonged to the old school of thoughts who let their work speak....

Says lyricist Prasoon Joshi, Of course, the award should have come a little earlier to Manna Dey but then looking at the brighter side, atleast his contribution has been recognized unlike many artistes who still haven't received their due... 

Film and music critic Rajiv Vijayakar says, Manna Dey should have received the award atleast 20 years back. It is long overdue. But as they say it is better late than never. A glaring example of which is Mohammad Rafi who did not receive the award even though he was one of the most talented singers we had. Rafi and Manna Dey were the pillars of the music of the era....

Many say that awards at this stage do not benefit these musicians in any way, People like Manna Dey are gems of Indian music who gave impetus to the classical genre of music. Even though there is a sense of happiness on the receipt of these awards, there is no sense if no monetary reward is attached  to it. It is one more glittering trophy added to the shelf,... laments Sonik 

Joshi however differs in his opinion, It is the people's appreciation that is more close to legends like him. An award doesn't change much for him. People like me have grown up listening to his renditions and enjoying his silken-voice....

Some also believe that the country needs a stronger department of arts and culture to lobby for the rights and welfare of the musicians in the country. Opines Vijayakar, We need to separate politics from such committees who are authorized to distribute such awards. These awards should be given on merits. These lobbies and camps should be done away with....

Adds Joshi, Making music is a personal decision. It makes the society beautiful. Hence to people who make music it is people's appreciation that matters more than the awards. Over the years a lot has been done for the welfare of musicians but ofcourse a lot more can be done....

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