K C Dey was one of the leading musicians of Bengal cinema, particularly the
New Theatres' of Calcutta, in an era dominated by stalwarts such as
K L Saigal and
Pankaj Mullick. It was K C Dey who influenced
Manna Dey to take to music. Otherwise he would have ended up as a barrister, which his chartered accountant father wanted him to be.
Krishna Chandra Dey was born in Calcutta in 1904. From the early childhood, young krishna Chandra showed an affection towards music and could sing well. He used to attend many musical gatherings in his youth. At the age of thirteen years (in 1906) he lost his eyesight after suffering from severe pain in the head. All medical treatments failed and he soon became blind. His love of music then found it's way through constant endeavour of vocal performances. Eminent musicians such as Sashi Bushan Dey, Satish Chattopaddhya, Darshan Singh, Ustad Keramutulla Khan, Ustad Badal Khan, Amarnath Bhattacharya, Dabir Khan, Satish Dutta and Radha Raman Das, along with a galaxy of others all contributed to his musical training. From the musical gatherings at the famous Bengali srestler Gobarbabu' house, he gradually started appearing before the public.
In february 1917, he provided his first recordings for the Gramophone Co Lts., at their recording studios that were attached to their factory at 139, Beliaghatta Road, Sealdah, Calcutta. Over the next few years his musical carer appears to have been relatively eneventful, except that with good classical training his powerful yet melodious voice had been brought to maturity.Krishna Chandra Dey had made his first appearance in a 'Talkie film' made by Madan Theatres, Calcutta, and released at the Crown Cinema, Calcutta, on 13 March 1931, (renamed 'Uttara' Cinema in 1935) - featuring two songs being sung by K C Dey. On 24 September 1932, the
New Theatres Ltd., production of the Bengali film "Chandidas" was released at the 'Chitra' cinema (now named 'Mitra') with Krishna Chandra Dey, in both acting and singing roles. The songs from "Chandidas" opened another chapter in the illustrious career of K C Dey and confirmed him as one of the most popular entertainers of the time. Between 1933 and 1935, Krishna Chandra Dey was in demand not only as an actor and singer, but also as a music director for motion pictures, being produced by East India Films,
New Theatres Ltd., both of Calcutta, and also Sagar Movietone, Bombay.
In 1942, Krishna Chandra Dey went to Bombay where he performed the duties of music director, along with acting and singing roles.
Krishna Chandra Dey is usually referred to as having been a confirmed bachelor, however, he is known to have been closely associated with Miss Tarakbala (Miss Light) and to have prepared the music for her recordings, a few of which were issued by The Gramophone Co., Ltd., on the "TWIN" record label, during the 1930s. Krishna Chandra Dey and Miss Tarakbala were married according to Hindu rites, in the presence of a Brahmin 'Purohit'. After the marriage, Miss Tarakbala was renamed as Roma Dey, and was lovingly called 'Memsahib' by K.C. Dey. A son was born to the couple, but died at the age of 14 years.
Krishna Chandra Dey died on 28 November 1962, at the age of 69 years in Calcutta.
