Radio’s Legendary Voice Ameen Sayani Falls Silent Forever

Iconic radio presenter Ameen Sayani who was popularly known for his distinctive voice on South Asian radio has been permanently silenced. Finding resonance among the hearts of millions of listeners across the country, traversed over several decades, the 91-year old ironically died of a heart attack. Sayani assumed fame with hosting the show Binaca Geetmala and ever since then, has stirred up waves of filmi nostalgia. The popular weekly item paved the way for clones like Chitrahaar and such.

The deceased’s son Rajil Sayahi broke the sad news of his father’s demise to the media on the morning of Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Ameen Sahib’s progeny stated that on discovering that his old man was in severe pain and discomfort, he rushed him to the HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai. Since many of the expired celebrity’s relatives are yet to fly in from abroad, the funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 22.

The deceased celebrity would mark the start of each show of with his warm signature welcome in Hindi, which translated was, “Hello sisters and brothers! This is your friend Ameen Sayani!” Interestingly, despite being an Indian citizen and the content of his show featuring weekly countdowns of the best Hindi cinema songs, he was a contracted employee of Radio Ceylon beginning in the early 1950s. It was not until 1989, that All Indian Radio (AIR) took over production of the musical show, renaming it Vividh Bharathi.

Ameenji was incredibly prolific at his craft. The masterful speaker had produced, compiled or lent his voice for more than a staggering 54,000 programmes. Additionally, the classy gentleman was also featured on over 19,000 spots or jingles, beginning this career at the tender age of 18. What’s more, the charismatic presenter also participated in classic Bollywood films like Bhoot Bungla, Boxer, Qatl and Teen Devian, making appearances as, what else? - An announcer. Perhaps, reruns of the shows embellished by Sayani’s incomparable voice and style will present some consolation for the multitude of fans that mourn his demise. These stand testament of a life well lived and the creator of memories relived time and time again.