The cherished legend of Indian radio broadcasting, Ameen Sayani, went yesterday at the age of 91, leaving a generation-spanning legacy. Sayani, who was born in India on December 31, 1932, started his career in radio in the 1950s, and it would become a legendary career that would go down in broadcasting history.
Sayani’s voice came to represent the heyday of Indian radio in the country. He gained the charming moniker of the “grand old man of Indian radio” thanks to his warm, resonant tones, which enthralled listeners across the country. He became well-known due to his unmatched capacity to engage listeners with his captivating voice and contagious energy.
Sayani’s renowned programme “Binaca Geetmala” stands as one of his most recognisable contributions to Indian radio. When it was first broadcast in the 1950s, the show quickly gained popularity and won over millions of listeners by displaying the greatest Hindi movie songs of the day. All ages of music lovers should listen to “Binaca Geetmala” because of Sayani’s unique presentation style, which features song countdowns laced with trivia and anecdotes.
In addition to being a radio host, Sayani was a pioneer in the advertising industry, providing his voice for a number of well-known spots that have become part of Indian listeners’ collective consciousness. His endorsement further cemented his standing as a cultural icon by lending authenticity and authority to any product.
Sayani has consistently shown a steadfast dedication to his profession, an unrelenting devotion to excellence, and a desire for connecting with his audience throughout his career. His impact went well beyond the radio studio, influencing Indian culture and serving as an inspiration to succeeding generations of presenters and performers.
Tributes to Sayani from admirers, colleagues, and dignitaries alike are flooding in as word of his death spreads throughout the country, paying respect to the lasting influence he had on Indian radio and popular culture. Even though the venerable icon of Indian radio is no longer with us, his ageless voice and legacy will live on for many years to come, serving as a constant reminder of the power of radio magic and storytelling.
Aastha Kumari 
Dhairya Saraswat