Vinay Mandke death news: Veteran singer Vinay Mandke, who lent his voice to more than 7,000 jingles and worked as a playback singer for over 150 films, passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness. He was 73. He breathed his last at his residence in Dadar.
Vinay is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandson. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from members of the music industry.
Vinay Mandke’s career and legacy
Vinay Mandke was widely known for providing playback vocals in almost every film of actor Lakshmikant Berde. Because of this, he was fondly recognised as “Lakshya’s voice.” He also became a household name through popular advertising jingles, most notably the iconic “Hamara Bajaj.” Launched in 1989, the advertisement became a cultural milestone, symbolising national pride and the aspirations of India’s middle class.
Vinay’s soulful vocals delivered the unforgettable line, “Buland Bharat Ki Buland Tasveer… Hamara Bajaj.” The campaign was directed by advertising veteran Alyque Padamsee, developed by the agency Lintas and written by lyricist Jaikrit Rawat. Beyond this classic, Vinay sang thousands of jingles during India’s advertising golden age, including the popular VIP Luggage “Kal Bhi, Aaj Bhi” campaign.
He also sang for popular commercials such as MDH Masala, Vicco Vajradanti, and the patriotic “Mera Bharat Mahaan” campaign. His vocals appeared in advertisements for major household brands like Lipton Tea, Tata Steel, Prestige Cooker, Lifebuoy, Nirma, Wheel, Ok Sabun, and Fevicol. Through these jingles, Vinay became one of the defining voices that shaped India’s advertising soundscape in the 1980s and 1990s.
Apart from recordings, Vinay entertained music lovers through live orchestra performances, where his energetic stage presence and versatile singing style won him admiration.
Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to perform live shows for legendary music composers such as C. Ramchandra, O. P. Nayyar, Ravi, Shankar–Jaikishan, Kalyanji–Anandji and Bappi Lahiri. He later built a successful career in both the advertising and film industries, leaving a lasting mark with his distinctive voice.
His last rites were performed at the Shivaji Park crematorium. Vinay’s passing has left the music fraternity mourning the loss of a beloved and versatile singer.