Saxophonist Manohari Singh (March 8, 1931 – July 13, 2010) who was a close associate and music assistant of legendary music composer R.D.Burman, died on Tuesday following cardiac arrest. He was 79.
He got his first break in 1958 with Sachin Dev Burman as a saxophonist for the movie Sitaron Se Aage.In addition to playing the alto saxophone, Manohari Singh was also the music assistant and arranger for R. D. Burman. He has played the saxophone in many R. D. Burman compositions including the well-known hit "Gaata rahe mera dil" from the movie Guide. He has also played for songs in the recent movies Chalte Chalte (2003) and Veer Zaara (2004).
Born in Kolkata in a family of musicians, Manohari Singh watched his father - originally from
Manohari Singh is said to deeply cherish his gold-plated Selmer saxophone (bought in New York in 1969) and tries to avoid getting even his own finger-prints on it
He was also awarded with "Memorable Contribution to Music Award" at the Tata Indicom Radio Mirchi Music Awards function held on 27th March 2009.
He also played in a Telugu movie named "Raavoi Chandamama", music composed by Manisharma and Nagarjuna acted in this movie and Jayanth C. Paranjee directed it.
"A very good saxophone player, great arranger and a fabulous human being...Manohari da passed away...Our heartfelt condolences to his family and the music lovers”
