TOI-'Indian Idol Junior' to pay ode to Manna Dey

The little wonders of "Indian Idol Junior" will hum songs of the legendary singer Manna Dey during a special episode, to be aired Sunday.

Singer Kavita Krishnamurthy will cheer up the young singers in the episode, which will also have the first elimination of the singing reality show, judged by Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani.

The kids will take to the stage and sing some numbers of Manna Dey, whose all-time hits include "Na to karanwa ki talash hai na to humsafar ki talash hain", "Puchho na kaise maine rain bitayee", "Laaga chunari main daag", "Aaja sanam madhur chandani mein hum", "Ye raat bhigi bhigi, ye mast fizayen" and "Ay meri Zohara".

Manna Dey, who was recently in news for his ill health, has to his credit over a record 3,500 songs in an illustrious career spanning seven decades since 1943.

Dey is also a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country's highest honour in the film world.