Today, his funeral was attended by many music personalities... a testimony to his popularity among his fraternity.
Coincidentally, it was also the 'barsi' of Madanji, who passed away on the same day 35 years ago, and many of the mourners remarked on this coincidence!
Manoharida played in many Madanji songs... who can forget the saxophone pieces in Woh Bhooli Dastaan, Shokh Nazar Ki Bijliyan, or the English flute pieces in Dil Dhoondta Hai, Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho, Ek Haseen Shaam Ko, Bheegi Chandni, and so many other memorable songs?
In so many recent concerts of Madanji's melodies, Manoharida received a standing ovation when he played the interludes, and made them sound exactly as he had originally played them. He had become the major attraction at these shows, and played like a wizard till the very end. He had also played in almost all the songs of Veer-Zaara, and was always full of nostalgic memories about recordings with Madanji.
We will all miss Manoharida, and wish his soul eternal peace.
