The Unsung Melody: Remembering Singer Shaan's Father, Manas Mukherjee - A Musical Genius

Born on September 9, 1943, Manas Mukherjee was the eldest of five siblings. Music ran in his blood. His father, Jahar Mukherjee, was a gifted lyricist, singer, and composer who contributed richly to Indian classical music, modern Bengali songs, and devotional Shyama Sangeet. Growing up in such a musically rich environment, Manas was destined to walk the path of melody and rhythm.

From a very young age Manas Mukherjee, began crafting his own compositions. He not only composed but also wrote and sang his songs for Kolkata Radio. These early broadcasts became popular, revealing the spark of a young genius in the making.

In 1966, he moved to Mumbai to make his mark in the Hindi film industry. He composed music for a film, unfortunately that movie was not released. Yet, his determination didn’t falter. Instead of stepping back, he stepped forward.

Instead, he carved out a new identity as a respected music teacher. Legendary actresses like Mala Sinha and Vyjayanthimala were among his students. The iconic Rekha, who learned music from him, still keeps the harmonium, a silent homage to his legacy.

During his journey, Manas Mukherjee worked with legends like Kalyanji-Anandji and Salil Chowdhury as a music assistant. He also sang so many beautiful Bengali songs for Salil Chowdhury ,many of which later became very popular in Hindi cinema. One such unforgettable song is Sudhu Tomar Jonyo, which still resonates deeply with lovers of timeless music.

You can listen to his beautiful voice in the song "Man Nahi Lage Mitwa" from the movie Mahananda and in "Shudhu Tomar Jonyo". His voice will undoubtedly touch your heart.

Between 1970 and 1980, he worked on numerous film projects. Unfortunately, none reached the release stage. But in 1980, everything changed. The film Shayad was released, and he was the music director of this film and with it, Manas Mukherjee finally received the recognition he had long deserved. The music of Shayad was not just successful, it was magical. Songs like Khusboo Hoon Main touched hearts across the nation. 

In the years that followed, he composed for 15 films, including:

Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai

Dilawar

Lubna

Mahananda

Lakho Ki Baat

He also worked as a music director for so many Bengali films such as Rashifal and Bandhobi, and even worked on a Bhojpuri film titled Sabahi Nachaawat Ram Gosain. Though the film was never released, the songs gained popularity - especially Kene Kene Jaaeen sung by Kishore Kumar, which remains a treasure for music lovers.

Manas Mukherjee was a man of extraordinary talent, yet the level of fame and success he truly deserved always seemed just out of reach. However, the people who knew real music - the legends of Indian playback singing - admired him deeply. Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, and Usha Mangeshkar all shared a warm and respectful bond with him.

In fact, Lata Mangeshkar,  kept photographs of her favorite music directors in her home, and among them was Manas Mukherjee. That quiet gesture speaks volumes about the mark he left on the hearts of those who truly understood the soul of music.

Tragically, on October 16, 1986, Manas Mukherjee passed away due to a heart attack. He was only 43. The loss was immense,not just for his family, but for Indian music as a whole. 

Yet, the song didn’t end there.

His son, Shaan, today one of India’s most beloved and versatile singers, carries forward that legacy. With every note Shaan sings, you can feel the essence of his father’s artistry, a bridge between generations, held together by music and love.

Recalling his father, Shaan once said in an interview,

"He was a very unique person with a strong sense of integrity, which I imbibed. He taught me to never take credit for something I haven't done, and to always give credit where it is due. He made us learn that if you owe someone something, then promptly make sure you give it back. He also taught me not to owe anyone anything and never take obligations from people. There are a lot of things I learnt from him, most importantly is to be happy in your own space. Musically, he was extremely talented and I am not even two per cent of him. My father played a very important role in my life, in making me who I am."

In another interview with The Times Of India, Shaan said, 

"When you are living a sheltered life, you tend to take things for granted. But I had to grow up overnight, knowing that there will be no one to guide me anymore.

Dad never really opened up to his family and there was a certain distance between us. The only time I saw him enjoying was during a walk to the Bandra bandstand, late one evening, shortly before his death. It was raining heavily and dad was wearing red shorts. Suddenly, he stepped into the rains and urged me to join him. It was one of my most cherished memories of him. Now, whenever I go to bandstand, I am reminded of that rainy evening.

My father was a very talented singer and had a hunger for the success he could never achieve. I was very young then and didn't understand the emotional turmoil he was going through. He never parted with his self-respect and refused to stoop low to achieve quick success.

For years, after he passed away, I kept coming across people who he had impacted in one way or another. Even though he didn't have a lot of money, he would go out of his way to help his musicians. Wherever he went, he managed to strike a cord in people's hearts. I wish he was alive to see what I have achieved. I am sure he would have been very proud."

From Jahar Mukherjee to Manas Mukherjee, and now through Shaan, the music flows on. A legacy of devotion, humility, and genius lives quietly, yet powerfully, in the history of Indian music.

Manas Mukherjee may not have received all the accolades he deserved in his lifetime, but in the hearts of true music lovers, his name will always be remembered, as the unsung melody that never truly faded.