MUMBAI: ‘Namaskar behno aur bhaiyon, main aapka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon..’

Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., audiences would eagerly await Ameen Sayani's weekly countdown of the greatest successes in Hindi music on India's groundbreaking programme, Binaca Geetmala.

In the end, he covered our canvas with rich memories of his lovely voice and well-known Hindi movie songs through the use of spoken word as paint. Tuesday night in Mumbai, Ameen Sayani passed away from a heart attack. When he hosted the Binaca Geetmala with much joy and a healthy dose of bravado, millions of tired listeners of Vividh Bharati and Radio Ceylon had something to look forward to.

The innovative radio personality, who changed and dominated the radio profession for over 40 years, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 91. His son Rajil Sayani verified the news of his demise, stating that his father had a heart attack on Tuesday night and was sent to the hospital right away, but he was not able to be rescued.

Hamid Sayani, Ameen's brother and a broadcaster at the time, introduced him to the world of radio. His well-liked radio show Binaca Geetmala, which debuted on Radio Ceylon in 1952 and ran until 1988, helped him quickly become well-known. Binaca Geetmala transferred to Vividh Bharati on All India Radio after 1988, and it stayed at the top of the charts there till 1994. Its original name, "Geetmala," was replaced throughout time by "Binaca Geetmala," "Hit Parade," and "Cibaca Geetmala."

In the course of his more than 60-year career, Sayani voiced 19,000 commercials and jingles in addition to producing and presenting over 54,000 radio shows. He also dabbled in acting, landing a few small parts in films. Additionally, he presented a number of other programmes, such as "Saridon Ke Saathi," "Filmi Mulaqaat," "S Kumars Ka Filmi Muqaddama," "Bournvita Quiz Contest," and "Sangeet kay Sitaron ki Mehfil."

For his services to the radio broadcasting sector, Sayani received numerous honours during his lifetime, including the Padma Shri in 2009.

Even though Ameen Sayani is no longer with us, his influence on Indian television will endure for many years to come.

Born in 1932 to Kulsum Sayani and physician Jan Mohammad Sayani, both of whom were freedom fighters, Sayani grew up amid an academic atmosphere throbbing with ideas of freedom, its significance, and how culture could play a significant role in it. While his father held charge of a hospital taking care of the wounded during the freedom struggle, Kulsum, whose own father, Rajaballly Patel, had been the personal physician to Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, started a newspaper titled Rahber.

“I wanted each listener to feel that I was talking to them and that immediately struck a chord. I didn’t expect it to become a phenomenon. They were such fantastic times,” he told this reporter in a 2014 interview.

Let us take you back on a trip down memory lane remembering his national, international shows, and honours and awards he received for his work.

Radio shows produced and presented by Ameen Sayani

Saridon Ke Saathi - The show was AIR's first sponsored show and aired for nearly 4 years

Geetamala Ki Yaadein - It was aired on Radio Ummul Quwain in UAE.

Binaca Geetmala - Its broadcast began in 1952, mainly over Radio Ceylon and later over Vividh Bharati and continued for over 42 years.

S Kumars Ka Filmi Muwaddama and Filmi Mulaqaat - It aired for over 7 years on All India Radio (AIR) and Vividh Bharati.

Bournvita Quiz Contest (English) - He took over the show from his brother, Hamid Sayani, after his death in 1975.

Shalimar Superlac Jodi - It was aired for nearly 7 years.

Maratha Darbar shows including Sitaron Ki Pasand, Chamaktay Sitaray, Mehekti Baatein, among others.

Sangeet Kay Sitaron Ki Mehfil - It aired for nearly four years

Ameen Sayani's popular international radio shows

Mini Insertions of Filmstar Interviews - 35 installments were aired on the British Broadcasting Corporation's Ethnic Network in the UK.

Music for the millions - Six episodes were aired for BBC's World Service Radio.

Veetee Ka Hungama - It was aired on Sunrise Radio in London.

Ye Bhi Changa Wo Bhi Khoob - It was aired on Radio Asia in UAE.

Hangamay - It was aired over radio stations in Toronto, Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston.

Sangeet Paheli - It was aired on Radio Truro in Swaziland.

Honours and Awards

Padma Shri in 2009 by the Government of India.

Golden Abby by Advertising Club, Bombay in 2000 for Outstanding Radio Campaign of the Century.

Hall of Fame Award in 1993 from Indian Academy of Advertising Film Art.

Person of the Year Award (1992) by Limca Book of Records

Living Legend Award in 2006 by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, with India Radio Forum.

Kaan Hall of Fame Award in 2003 by Radio Mirchi.

Gold medal in 1991 from Indian Society of Advertisers.