Ameen Sayani: A mesmerising voice that will live on

Nonika Singh

Much before a whole generation of RJs were to dominate radio shows, lived the ultimate presenter Ameen Sayani. The golden voice synonymous with Binaca Geetmala has fallen silent. But the lines ‘Behno aur bhaiyo mein aap ka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon’… still resonates with viewers who grew up listening to the incredibly popular show, first broadcast on Radio Ceylon in 1952, and was a hit from the word go. Rare is a voice that mesmerised as much as the bouquet of songs it brought along. Analysts would be hard-pressed to answer the query whether he acquired cult status for the popularity of melodious songs that were an integral part of his show. Or he contributed immensely to them becoming chartbusters.

To begin with, Binaca Geetmala merely showcased Hindi film songs. Later the programme transformed into a countdown show and became the first-of-its-kind. If the programme had a life of over four decades, Sayani holds a record for producing and compeering nearly 54,000 songs and giving voiceover for nearly 19,000 jingles. Interestingly, back then, Radio Ceylon became a go-to radio station for millions of Hindi film music aficionados, for Hindi film music was banned on AIR by then Information and Broadcasting minister Balakrishna Vishwanath Keskar. Clearly AIR’s loss was Radio Ceylon’s gain and Binaca Geetmala in particular was to earn a permanent name in the hall of fame.

More recently, a10-volume compilation titled ‘Ameen Sayani Presents Geetmala Ki Chhaon Mein’, which incorporates highlights of the programmes over decades, songs and interviews with greats such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Manna Dey et al was released. In the heydays of the show, these interviews were a huge draw. So were the delightful anecdotes and incisive commentary laced with humour with which Sayani captivated his listeners. He was also associated with shows like S Kumars Ka Filmi Muqaddama, Filmi Mulaqaat, Saridon Ke Saathi, Shalimar Superlac Jodi, Maratha Darbar, and Sangeet Kay Sitaron Ki Mehfil, and was also seen in a few films.

Born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, in a family involved in freedom movement and literary pursuits, Sayani helped his mother in editing and publishing Rahbar a monthly journal in Hindustani. This was how he learnt the simplest form of the language of confluence.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur rightly remembers him; “For most of us, he was the voice of the radio, who, with his magical wordplay, entertained and engaged us in a way no one had before.” Nor is anyone likely to do so after him. For here was a voice unique and irreplaceable. Of course, motor-mouths of today can learn a lesson or two on how to strike an instant rapport with listeners and be their forever friend. Hum sab ka dost…Ameen Sayani, an era in himself, will be remembered for all times to come.