Hello, brothers and sisters, this is your friend Ameen Sayani speaking.” With this captivating introduction, Ameen Sayani charmed radio listeners for an incredible 42 years. However, the legendary voice of Ameen Sayani is now silent as he passed away at the age of 91 due to a heart attack in Mumbai.
Also read: Deepika Padukone’s Pregnancy News
Ameen Sayani’s son, Rajil, revealed that his father suffered a heart attack on Tuesday evening, leading to his admission to the hospital. Despite efforts, he could not be saved. Rajil mentioned that Ameen Sayani’s last rites would take place on Thursday, with some relatives awaiting.
From 1952 to 1994, Ameen Sayani hosted the immensely popular radio show “Geetmala,” earning widespread fame across India. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences, acknowledging Ameen Sayani’s revolutionary contributions to Indian broadcasting, fostering a special bond with his audience.
Early Career in English Broadcasting:
Born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, Ameen Sayani belonged to a multilingual family. He commenced his career as a radio presenter with All India Radio, Mumbai, introduced by his brother Hamid Sayani. Initially part of English programs for ten years, Ameen later shifted towards Hindi broadcasts.
Geetmala” Show’s Journey:
Ameen Sayani’s show, initially named Binaca Geetmala, started as a 30-minute program on Radio Ceylon in 1952. The show quickly became a sensation, evolving into Sibaka Geetmala and later, Hit Parade. Despite changes in names, its popularity never waned. The Geetmala show was broadcast on All India Radio and Vividh Bharati, becoming a chart-topping hit in South Asia. The success propelled the show for an impressive 42-year run, with minor modifications in the early 2000s.
A Voiceover Maestro:
Ameen Sayani’s contributions extended beyond hosting Geetmala. As a voiceover artist, he set a record by hosting over 54,000 radio programs and providing his voice to more than 19,000 jingles. This achievement earned him a place in the Limca Book of World Records.
Film Appearances and Interviews:
Ameen Sayani also ventured into films, appearing as a radio announcer in movies like “Bhoot Bangla,” “Teen Deviyan,” “Boxer,” and “Katl.” His interviews with prominent personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Raj Kapoor increased his fan following.
Also read: Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli Welcome Baby Boy Akaay
Meeting with Amitabh Bachchan:
During his struggling days, Amitabh Bachchan auditioned at Mumbai’s radio studio without an appointment. Ameen Sayani, without hearing Amitabh’s voice, initially declined to meet him, stating that people would be scared by his voice. Later, upon hearing Amitabh’s voice, Ameen acknowledged his mistake, highlighting the impact of voice perception.
In an interview, Ameen Sayani reflected on the Geetmala days, expressing his desire to make every listener feel like he was talking directly to them. This approach revolutionized radio presentation, leaving an indelible mark on the broadcasting world. Ameen Sayani fondly recalled the romance of his time in the radio salon, considering it a splendid period in his life.
Ameen Sayani’s legacy as a radio icon and voiceover maestro will be cherished by radio enthusiasts and fans across the nation. His golden voice and warm charisma will forever echo in the hearts of those who grew up listening to his iconic Geetmala show.
