MUMBAI (Diya TV) — Ameen Sayani, the iconic Indian radio presenter renowned for his captivating voice on the legendary show “Binaca Geet Mala,” passed away at the age of 91. He breathed his last following a heart attack in Mumbai, confirmed by his son, Rajil Sayani.
Born in 1932, Ameen Sayani was ingrained in the world of literature and language from an early age, assisting his mother in editing the renowned journal “Rahber.” His journey in radio commenced in 1951 on Radio Ceylon, where he quickly became a household name with his distinctive greeting, “Namaskar bhaiyon aur behno, main aapka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon” (“Hello brothers and sisters, this is your friend Ameen Sayani speaking”).
“Binaca Geet Mala,” Sayani’s brainchild, debuted as a 30-minute program on Radio Ceylon, captivating audiences across the newly independent India. Despite facing challenges such as All India Radio’s ban on broadcasting Bollywood music, Sayani’s show thrived, evolving into a sensation that transcended generations.
With a record-breaking career spanning over 54,000 radio programs and contributions to approximately 19,000 jingles, Sayani’s impact on Indian broadcasting is unparalleled. His interviews with luminaries of the Golden Era, including Lata Mangeshkar and Raj Kapoor, remain etched in the memories of listeners.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Sayani once shared, “I wanted each listener to feel that I was talking to them, and it immediately struck a chord.” His pioneering style revolutionized radio presentation, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
