New Delhi, Sept 30 (ANI): Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on Saturday congratulated eminent Bollywood playback singer Manna Dey for being selected for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2007.

In a congratulatory letter sent to Dey, Soni said that the award “was richly deserved and your outstanding contributions to music for over fifty years are an integral part of India’s musical heritage”.

“I am also happy that the announcement has been widely acclaimed across the country,” Soni added.

Dey will receive the award for his outstanding contribution in the field of cinema later this month. He has also been a recipient of Padmashree and the Padma Bhushan.

Dey started his playback singing career with the movie “Tamanna” in 1943 and later dominated the Indian film playback music from the 1950s to the 1970’s. He has recorded over 3500 songs during his six-decade-long career.

Some of his famous songs include, “Laga Chuneri Mein Daag”, “Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua”, “Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi” and “Kasme Wade Pyaar Wafa”.

Trained in classical music, his mellifluous voice has enthralled millions of households across the country.

Some of the most well known films for which he has lent his voice are: “Awaara”, “Do Bigha Zamin”, “Mera Naam Joker”, “Bobby”, “Zanjeer”, “Padosan” and “Sholay”. (ANI)