Ameen Sayani, the legendary voice that defined radio for generations of Indians, passed away at the age of 91. Known for his iconic program Binaca Geetmala, Sayani’s voice was a staple in Indian households, bridging the gap between music and its lovers across the nation. He suffered a heart attack on the evening of February 20 and was rushed to H N Reliance Hospital in south Mumbai, where he breathed his last around 7 p.m., as confirmed by his son, Rajil Sayani.
“Namaste behno aur bhaiyo, main aapka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon” – this greeting echoed in the homes of millions every Wednesday, making Sayani a household name. Starting in 1952 on Radio Ceylon and continuing until 1988, and thereafter on All India Radio’s Vividh Bharati till 1994, Binaca Geetmala was more than just a music program; it was a cultural phenomenon that encapsulated the essence of Indian music and its diversity.
Born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, Sayani was introduced to the world of broadcasting at a young age. With over 50,000 shows across 42 years, his career was marked by versatility and a deep connection with his audience. Despite facing initial setbacks, including rejection from AIR’s Hindi service due to his Gujarati accent, Sayani’s persistence and passion for radio broadcasting led him to fame and recognition, especially after the ban of Hindi songs on AIR by then Information and Broadcasting Minister B.V. Keskar in 1952.
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