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{{Short description|Indian radio personality (1932–2024)}}
{{Short description|Indian radio personality (1932–2024)}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2016}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{mcn|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Ameen Sayani
| name = Ameen Sayani
| image = Ameen-Sayani.jpg
| image = Ameen-Sayani.jpg
| caption = Ameen Sayani in 2012
| caption = Sayani in 2012
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = 21 December 1932
| birth_date = {{birth date|1932|12|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]]
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]]<br/>(now [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India)
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|02|20|1932|12|21|df=y}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|02|20|1932|12|21|df=y}}
| death_place = Mumbai, [[Maharashtra]], India
| death_place = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
⚫
| nationality = Indian
| alma_mater = [[St. Xavier's College, Mumbai|St. Xavier's College]]
| alma_mater = [[St. Xavier's College, Mumbai|St. Xavier's College]]
⚫
| citizenship = Indian
| education = [[Scindia School]]
| education = [[Scindia School]]
| occupation = Announcer, [[Radio jockey]]
| occupation = Announcer, [[Radio jockey]]
| years_active = 1951
| years_active = 1951–2024
| boards =
| boards =
| spouse = Rama (deceased)
| spouse = Rama (deceased)
| children =
| children =
| parents =
| parents = [[Kulsum Sayani]] (mother)
| relatives = [[Rahimtulla M. Sayani]] (grandfather)
| signature =
| signature =
| website = {{URL|ameensayani.com|Ameen Sayani}}
| website = {{URL|ameensayani.com|Ameen Sayani}}
}}
}}


'''[https://bestgkhub.in/news/ameen-sayani-popular-radio-host-ameen-sayani-said-goodbye-to-the-world-at-the-age-of-91/ Ameen Sayani]''' (21 December 1932 – 20 February 2024)<ref>[https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/ameen-sayani-death-binaca-geetmala-fame-radio-and-talk-show-host-dies-of-a-heart-attack-at-91-1666135 Ameen Sayani, Iconic Radio Presenter And Voice Of 'Geetmala', Passes Away At 91]</ref> was an India radio announcer. He achieved fame and popularity all across the [[Indian subcontinent|Indian Subcontinent]] when he presented his ''[[Binaca Geetmala]]'' program of hits over the airwaves of [[Radio Ceylon]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/veteran-broadcaster-ameen-sayani-gets-padma-shri_100147062.html |title=Veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani gets Padma Shri |publisher=Thaindian News |date=26 January 2009 |accessdate=26 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201033138/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/veteran-broadcaster-ameen-sayani-gets-padma-shri_100147062.html |archive-date=1 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was one of the most imitated announcers even today. His style of addressing the crowd with "Behno aur Bhaiyo " (meaning "sisters and brothers") as against the traditional "Bhaiyo aur Bahno" is still treated as an announcement with a melodious touch. He had produced, compered (or spoken for) over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles since 1951.
'''Ameen Sayani''' (21 December 1932 – 20 February 2024) was an Indian radio announcer. He achieved fame and popularity across the [[Indian subcontinent]] when he presented his ''[[Binaca Geetmala]]'' program of hits over the airwaves of [[Radio Ceylon]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/veteran-broadcaster-ameen-sayani-gets-padma-shri_100147062.html |title=Veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani gets Padma Shri |publisher=Thaindian News |date=26 January 2009 |accessdate=26 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201033138/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/veteran-broadcaster-ameen-sayani-gets-padma-shri_100147062.html |archive-date=1 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was one of the most imitated announcers. His style of addressing the audience with "Behno aur Bhaiyo " (meaning "sisters and brothers") as against the traditional "Bhaiyo aur Behno" is still treated as an announcement with a melodious touch. He had produced, compered (or provided voice-overs for) over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles since 1951.


== Early life ==
'''[https://bestgkhub.in/news/ameen-sayani-popular-radio-host-ameen-sayani-said-goodbye-to-the-world-at-the-age-of-91/ Ameen Sayani – लोकप्रिय रेडियो होस्ट अमीन सयानी ने 91 साल की उम्र में दुनिया को कहा अलविदा]'''
Ameen Sayani was born on 21 December 1932 into a [[Gujarati Muslims|Gujarati Muslim]] [[Khoja|Sunni Khoja]] family in [[Bombay]] (now [[Mumbai]]). His parents were Kulsoom and Dr. Jan Mohammed Sayani. His mother was a freedom fighter and was close to [[Mahatma Gandhi]], which is why Sayani called himself a Gandhian. He was the grandson of [[Rahimtulla M. Sayani]] a pioneer laywer who had served as the [[President of the Indian National Congress]].


==Career==
==Career==
Line 33: Line 36:
Later, he helped popularise All India Radio in India. Sayani was also a part of various movies throughout the years like ''[[Bhoot Bungla]]'', ''[[Teen Devian]]'', ''[[Boxer (1965 film)|Boxer]]'', and ''[[Qatl]]''. He appeared in all of these movies in the role of an announcer in some event.
Later, he helped popularise All India Radio in India. Sayani was also a part of various movies throughout the years like ''[[Bhoot Bungla]]'', ''[[Teen Devian]]'', ''[[Boxer (1965 film)|Boxer]]'', and ''[[Qatl]]''. He appeared in all of these movies in the role of an announcer in some event.


Sayani assisted his mother, Kulsum Sayani, in editing, publishing and printing a fortnightly journal for neo-literates, under the instructions of [[Mahatma Gandhi]]. The fortnightly, ''RAHBER'' (1940 to 1960), was simultaneously published in the [[Devanagari|Devnagri]] (Hindi), [[Urdu]] and [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] scripts – but all in the simple "[[Hindustani language|Hindustani]]" language promoted by Gandhi.
Sayani assisted his mother, [[Kulsum Sayani]], in editing, publishing and printing a fortnightly journal for neo-literates, under the instructions of [[Mahatma Gandhi]]. The fortnightly, ''RAHBER'' (1940 to 1960), was simultaneously published in the [[Devanagari|Devnagri]] (Hindi), [[Urdu]] and [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] scripts&nbsp;– but all in the simple "[[Hindustani language|Hindustani]]" language promoted by Gandhi.


It was this grounding in simple communication that helped him in his long career of commercial broadcasting, and culminated in his being awarded the "Hindi Ratna Puraskaar" by the prestigious Hindi Bhavan of [[New Delhi]] in 2007.
It was this grounding in simple communication that helped him in his long career of commercial broadcasting, and culminated in his being awarded the "Hindi Ratna Puraskaar" by the prestigious Hindi Bhavan of [[New Delhi]] in 2007.


One little known fact about him is that he worked in the marketing Department of [[Tata Oil Mills Company|Tata Oil Mills]] Ltd. during 1960–62 as Brand Executive – mainly looking after their toilet soaps: Hamam and Jai.
One little known fact about him is that he worked in the marketing Department of [[Tata Oil Mills Company|Tata Oil Mills]] Ltd. during 1960–62 as Brand Executive&nbsp;– mainly looking after their toilet soaps: Hamam and Jai.


Between All India Radio (since 1951), AIR's Commercial Service (since 1970) and various foreign stations (since 1976), Sayani has produced, compered (or spoken for) over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles. (The fact is recorded in the ''Limca Book of Records''.)
Between All India Radio (from 1951), AIR's Commercial Service (from 1970) and various foreign stations (from 1976), Sayani produced, compered (or spoke for) over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles. (The fact is recorded in the ''Limca Book of Records''.)

⚫
===Radio shows produced and compered by Ameen Sayani===


⚫
===Radio shows produced and compered===
Some of the better known radio shows produced (mainly for consumer product clients):
Some of the better known radio shows produced (mainly for consumer product clients):
* CIBACA (formerly [[Binaca (brand)|BINACA]]) [[Binaca Geetmala|GEETMALA]]: broadcast since 1952 – mainly over [[Radio Ceylon]], and later over [[Vividh Bharati]] (AIR) – for a total of over 42 years. It was again revived after a gap of 4 years, and was aired over the National Network of Vividh Bharati for 2 years as COLGATE CIBACA GEETMALA.
* CIBACA (formerly [[Binaca (brand)|BINACA]]) [[Binaca Geetmala|GEETMALA]]: broadcast from 1952&nbsp;– mainly over [[Radio Ceylon]], and later over [[Vividh Bharati]] (AIR)&nbsp;– for a total of over 42 years. It was again revived after a gap of 4 years, and was aired over the National Network of Vividh Bharati for 2 years as COLGATE CIBACA GEETMALA.
* S. KUMARS KA FILMI MUQADDAMA and FILMI MULAQAAT: over AIR and Vividh Bharati for 7 years. Re-commenced, after a decade, on Vividh Bharati for a year.
* S. KUMARS KA FILMI MUQADDAMA and FILMI MULAQAAT: over AIR and Vividh Bharati for 7 years. Re-commenced, after a decade, on Vividh Bharati for a year.
* SARIDON KE SAATHI: 4 years. (AIR's first sponsored show.)
* SARIDON KE SAATHI: 4 years. (AIR's first sponsored show.)
Line 50: Line 52:
* SHALIMAR SUPERLAC JODI: 7 years.
* SHALIMAR SUPERLAC JODI: 7 years.
* MARATHA DARBAR shows: SITARON KI PASAND, CHAMAKTAY SITARAY, MEHEKTI BAATEN, etc. : 14 years.
* MARATHA DARBAR shows: SITARON KI PASAND, CHAMAKTAY SITARAY, MEHEKTI BAATEN, etc. : 14 years.
* SANGEET KAY SITARON KI MEHFIL : 4 years – and still running (in 2014). (The format comprises interviews and musical career sketches of top singers, composers and lyricists. Syndicated to various radio stations in India and abroad for their commercial clients.)
* SANGEET KAY SITARON KI MEHFIL : 4 years&nbsp;– and still running (in 2014). (The format comprises interviews and musical career sketches of top singers, composers and lyricists; syndicated to various radio stations in India and abroad for their commercial clients.)

⚫
Sayani also produced a 13-episode radio series in the form of plays based on actual [[HIV/AIDS]] cases&nbsp;– including interviews with eminent doctors and social workers. (The series&nbsp;– entitled ''Swanaash''&nbsp;– was commissioned by All India Radio, and its audio cassettes have been acquired by many NGOs for their fieldwork.)

===Audio communication on compact discs (and earlier on LPs and cassettes)===

⚫
After producing several audio features on cassettes, LPs and CDs, Sayani was producing (for Saregama India Ltd) an unusual retrospective of his flagship radio show ''Geetmala'' on CDs. The series is called "GEETMALA KI CHHAON MEIN", of which 40 volumes (in packs of five CDs each) have already been produced and released. The volumes have been well appreciated in India and abroad.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}


⚫
Sayani pioneered the export of Indian radio shows and commercials from 1976 onwards. He exported to the [[United States|USA]], [[Canada]], [[England]], the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], [[Eswatini]], [[Mauritius]], [[South Africa]], [[Fiji]] and [[New Zealand]]. In addition, he compered several shows directly for radio stations abroad.
⚫
Sayani also produced a 13-episode radio series in the form of plays based on actual [[HIV/AIDS]] cases – including interviews with eminent doctors and social workers. (The series – entitled ''Swanaash'' –was commissioned by All India Radio, and its audio cassettes have been acquired by many NGOs for their field-work.)


===International radio shows===
===Ameen Sayani's Audio Communication on Compact Discs===
⚫
*"MINI INSERTIONS of FILMSTAR INTERVIEWS" : Over the [[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]]'s Ethnic Network in the UK: 35 instalments.
(And Earlier on LPs And Cassettes)
⚫
*"MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS" : For the BBC's World Service Radio: 6 episodes.
⚫
*"VEETEE KA HUNGAMA" : Over Sunrise Radio, London: 4½ years.
⚫
*"GEETMALA KI YAADEN": Over Radio Ummul Quwain, UAE: 4 years.
⚫
*"YE BHI CHANGA WO BHI KHOOB" : Over Radio Asia, UAE: 8 months.
⚫
*"HANGAMAY" : Over ethnic radio stations in [[Toronto]], Washington, [[Houston]], [[Los Angeles]], [[San Francisco]] and [[Boston]]: 2½ years.
⚫
*"SANGEET PAHELI" : Over Radio Truro, Eswatini: 1 year.


⚫
===Stage Compering===
⚫
After producing several audio features on cassettes, LPs and CDs, Sayani is currently producing (for Saregama India Ltd) an unusual retrospect of his flagship radio show ''Geetmala'' on CDs. The series is called "GEETMALA KI CHHAON MEIN", of which 40 volumes (in packs of five CDs each) have already been produced and released. The volumes have been well appreciated in India and abroad.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}
⚫
Sayani compered over 2,000 stage functions of all sorts in India, including musical variety shows, beauty contests, fashion shows, award functions, film silver jubilee functions, the International Film Festival closing session (in Delhi), concerts, seminars, workshops, and trade presentations. He also compered stage shows abroad&nbsp;– in the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, the UAE, the Netherlands and the [[West Indies]].


===In Bollywood===
⚫
Sayani has pioneered the export of Indian radio shows and commercials since 1976. He has exported to [[United States|USA]], [[Canada]], [[England]], [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], [[Eswatini|Swaziland]], [[Mauritius]], [[South Africa]], [[Fiji]] and [[New Zealand]]. In addition, he has compered several shows directly for radio stations abroad.
Song "Tamma Tamma Again" in movie Badrinath Ki Dulhania was remix of 90's popular Bollywood song Tamma Tamma featuring a Voiceover by Ameen Sayani.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/badrinath-ki-dulhania-varun-dhawan-alia-bhatt-film-gets-a-retro-punch-with-ameen-sayani-deep-voice-watch-video-4560681/ | title=Badrinath Ki Dulhania: Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt film gets a retro punch with Ameen Sayani's deep voice. Watch video | date=8 March 2017 }}</ref>


===Ameen Sayani's successful international radio shows===
As of 2014, Sayani was still active in radio in India.<ref>
⚫
http://www.ameensayani.com/sangeet.htm{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>{{Update inline|date=February 2024}}
⚫
*"MINI INSERTIONS of FILMSTAR INTERVIEWS" : Over the [[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]]'s Ethnic Network in the UK : 35 installments.
⚫
*"MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS" : For the BBC's World Service Radio : 6 episodes.
⚫
*"VEETEE KA HUNGAMA" : Over Sunrise Radio, London : 4 ½ years.
⚫
*"GEETMALA KI YAADEN":Over Radio Ummul Quwain, UAE : 4 years.
⚫
*"YE BHI CHANGA WO BHI KHOOB" : Over Radio Asia, UAE : 8 months.
⚫
*"HANGAMAY" : Over ethnic radio stations in [[Toronto]], Washington, [[Houston]], [[Los Angeles]], [[San Francisco]] and [[Boston]] : 2 ½ years.
⚫
*"SANGEET PAHELI" : Over Radio Truro, Swaziland : 1 year.


==Personal life==
⚫
Stage Compering
Sayani married a Kashmiri Pandit, Rama Mattu a fellow voice artist.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amarujala.com/amp/columns/blog/ameen-sayani-birthday-life-journey |title=hi:अमीन सयानी जन्मदिन विशेषः तब और अब के रेडियो में ज़मीन-आसमान का फर्क | publisher=amarujala.com |access-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221222025/https://www.amarujala.com/amp/columns/blog/ameen-sayani-birthday-life-journey |archive-date=21 December 2019}}</ref>
⚫
Sayani has compered over 2,000 stage functions of all sorts in [[India]], including musical variety shows, beauty contests, fashion shows, award functions, film silver jubilee functions, an International Film Festival closing session (in Delhi), concerts, seminars, workshops, and trade presentations. Has also compered stage shows abroad – in the US, Canada, UK, South Africa, UAE, the [[Netherlands]] and the [[West Indies]].


== Death ==
As of 2014, Sayani was still active in radio in India.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/ameen-sayanis-geetmala-ki-chhaon-mein/405767/ |title=Ameen Sayani's Geetmala Ki Chhaon Mein |publisher=Screen |accessdate=26 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129231935/http://www.screenindia.com/news/ameen-sayanis-geetmala-ki-chhaon-mein/405767 |archivedate=29 January 2009 }}</ref><ref>
He died of a heart attack on 20 February 2024 at the age of 91.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 February 2024 |title=Ameen Sayani, Iconic Radio Presenter And Voice Of 'Geetmala', Passes Away At 91 |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/ameen-sayani-death-binaca-geetmala-fame-radio-and-talk-show-host-dies-of-a-heart-attack-at-91-1666135 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221063316/https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/ameen-sayani-death-binaca-geetmala-fame-radio-and-talk-show-host-dies-of-a-heart-attack-at-91-1666135 |archive-date=21 February 2024 |access-date=21 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/ameen-sayani-death-binaca-geetmala-fame-radio-and-talk-show-host-dies-of-a-heart-attack-at-91-1666135 |title=Ameen Sayani, Iconic Radio Presenter And Voice Of 'Geetmala', Passes Away At 91 |date=21 February 2024 |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221063316/https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/ameen-sayani-death-binaca-geetmala-fame-radio-and-talk-show-host-dies-of-a-heart-attack-at-91-1666135 |url-status=live }}</ref>
⚫
http://www.ameensayani.com/sangeet.htm{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==Honours and awards==
==Honours and awards==
In 2009, he was presented with the [[Padma Shri]] award.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/26/stories/2009012655310100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129143343/http://hindu.com/2009/01/26/stories/2009012655310100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 January 2009 |title=Kakodkar, Madhavan Nair, Bindra, Nirmala among Padma awardees |author= Vinay Kumar |date=26 January 2009|work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=26 January 2009}}</ref> Apart from this, Ameen Sayani has been a laureate of numerous awards such as:
In 2009, he was presented with the [[Padma Shri]] award.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/26/stories/2009012655310100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129143343/http://hindu.com/2009/01/26/stories/2009012655310100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 January 2009 |title=Kakodkar, Madhavan Nair, Bindra, Nirmala among Padma awardees |author= Vinay Kumar |date=26 January 2009|work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=26 January 2009}}</ref> Apart from this, Ameen Sayani was a laureate of numerous awards such as:


*Living Legend Award (2006) from loopFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, with India Radio Forum
*Living Legend Award (2006) from loopFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, with India Radio Forum
*Kaan Hall of Fame Award (2003) from [[Radio Mirchi]] (FM Network of the [[The Times Group|Times Group]])
*Kaan Hall of Fame Award (2003) from [[Radio Mirchi]] (FM Network of the [[The Times Group|Times Group]])
*Golden Abby by Advertising Club, Bombay (2000 ) for the OUTSTANDING RADIO CAMPAIGN OF THE CENTURY ( "Binaca/Cibaca GEETMALA" ).
*Golden Abby by Advertising Club, Bombay (2000) for the OUTSTANDING RADIO CAMPAIGN OF THE CENTURY ( "Binaca/Cibaca GEETMALA" ).
*Hall of Fame Award (1993) from Indian Academy of Advertising Film Art (IAAFA)
*Hall of Fame Award (1993) from Indian Academy of Advertising Film Art (IAAFA)
*Person of the Year Award (1992) [[Limca Book of Records]]
*Person of the Year Award (1992) [[Limca Book of Records]]
Line 106: Line 116:
[[Category:All India Radio people]]
[[Category:All India Radio people]]
[[Category:People from Mumbai]]
[[Category:People from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Khoja Ismailis]]

Latest revision as of 20:00, 1 October 2024

Ameen Sayani
Sayani in 2012
Born(1932-12-21)21 December 1932
Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
(now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India)
Died20 February 2024(2024-02-20) (aged 91)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
CitizenshipIndian
EducationScindia School
Alma materSt. Xavier's College
Occupation(s)Announcer, Radio jockey
Years active1951–2024
SpouseRama (deceased)
ParentKulsum Sayani (mother)
RelativesRahimtulla M. Sayani (grandfather)
WebsiteAmeen Sayani

Ameen Sayani (21 December 1932 – 20 February 2024) was an Indian radio announcer. He achieved fame and popularity across the Indian subcontinent when he presented his Binaca Geetmala program of hits over the airwaves of Radio Ceylon.[1] He was one of the most imitated announcers. His style of addressing the audience with "Behno aur Bhaiyo " (meaning "sisters and brothers") as against the traditional "Bhaiyo aur Behno" is still treated as an announcement with a melodious touch. He had produced, compered (or provided voice-overs for) over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles since 1951.

Early life

[edit]

Ameen Sayani was born on 21 December 1932 into a Gujarati Muslim Sunni Khoja family in Bombay (now Mumbai). His parents were Kulsoom and Dr. Jan Mohammed Sayani. His mother was a freedom fighter and was close to Mahatma Gandhi, which is why Sayani called himself a Gandhian. He was the grandson of Rahimtulla M. Sayani a pioneer laywer who had served as the President of the Indian National Congress.

Career

[edit]

Ameen Sayani was introduced to All India Radio, Bombay, by his brother Hamid Sayani. Ameen participated in English programmes there for ten years.

Later, he helped popularise All India Radio in India. Sayani was also a part of various movies throughout the years like Bhoot Bungla, Teen Devian, Boxer, and Qatl. He appeared in all of these movies in the role of an announcer in some event.

Sayani assisted his mother, Kulsum Sayani, in editing, publishing and printing a fortnightly journal for neo-literates, under the instructions of Mahatma Gandhi. The fortnightly, RAHBER (1940 to 1960), was simultaneously published in the Devnagri (Hindi), Urdu and Gujarati scripts – but all in the simple "Hindustani" language promoted by Gandhi.

It was this grounding in simple communication that helped him in his long career of commercial broadcasting, and culminated in his being awarded the "Hindi Ratna Puraskaar" by the prestigious Hindi Bhavan of New Delhi in 2007.

One little known fact about him is that he worked in the marketing Department of Tata Oil Mills Ltd. during 1960–62 as Brand Executive – mainly looking after their toilet soaps: Hamam and Jai.

Between All India Radio (from 1951), AIR's Commercial Service (from 1970) and various foreign stations (from 1976), Sayani produced, compered (or spoke for) over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles. (The fact is recorded in the Limca Book of Records.)

Radio shows produced and compered

[edit]

Some of the better known radio shows produced (mainly for consumer product clients):

  • CIBACA (formerly BINACA) GEETMALA: broadcast from 1952 – mainly over Radio Ceylon, and later over Vividh Bharati (AIR) – for a total of over 42 years. It was again revived after a gap of 4 years, and was aired over the National Network of Vividh Bharati for 2 years as COLGATE CIBACA GEETMALA.
  • S. KUMARS KA FILMI MUQADDAMA and FILMI MULAQAAT: over AIR and Vividh Bharati for 7 years. Re-commenced, after a decade, on Vividh Bharati for a year.
  • SARIDON KE SAATHI: 4 years. (AIR's first sponsored show.)
  • BOURNVITA QUIZ CONTEST (in English): 8 years. (Took over from his brother and guru, Hamid Sayani, after his death in 1975.)
  • SHALIMAR SUPERLAC JODI: 7 years.
  • MARATHA DARBAR shows: SITARON KI PASAND, CHAMAKTAY SITARAY, MEHEKTI BAATEN, etc. : 14 years.
  • SANGEET KAY SITARON KI MEHFIL : 4 years – and still running (in 2014). (The format comprises interviews and musical career sketches of top singers, composers and lyricists; syndicated to various radio stations in India and abroad for their commercial clients.)

Sayani also produced a 13-episode radio series in the form of plays based on actual HIV/AIDS cases – including interviews with eminent doctors and social workers. (The series – entitled Swanaash – was commissioned by All India Radio, and its audio cassettes have been acquired by many NGOs for their fieldwork.)

Audio communication on compact discs (and earlier on LPs and cassettes)

[edit]

After producing several audio features on cassettes, LPs and CDs, Sayani was producing (for Saregama India Ltd) an unusual retrospective of his flagship radio show Geetmala on CDs. The series is called "GEETMALA KI CHHAON MEIN", of which 40 volumes (in packs of five CDs each) have already been produced and released. The volumes have been well appreciated in India and abroad.[citation needed]

Sayani pioneered the export of Indian radio shows and commercials from 1976 onwards. He exported to the USA, Canada, England, the UAE, Eswatini, Mauritius, South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand. In addition, he compered several shows directly for radio stations abroad.

International radio shows

[edit]
  • "MINI INSERTIONS of FILMSTAR INTERVIEWS" : Over the British Broadcasting Corporation's Ethnic Network in the UK: 35 instalments.
  • "MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS" : For the BBC's World Service Radio: 6 episodes.
  • "VEETEE KA HUNGAMA" : Over Sunrise Radio, London: 4½ years.
  • "GEETMALA KI YAADEN": Over Radio Ummul Quwain, UAE: 4 years.
  • "YE BHI CHANGA WO BHI KHOOB" : Over Radio Asia, UAE: 8 months.
  • "HANGAMAY" : Over ethnic radio stations in Toronto, Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston: 2½ years.
  • "SANGEET PAHELI" : Over Radio Truro, Eswatini: 1 year.

Stage Compering

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Sayani compered over 2,000 stage functions of all sorts in India, including musical variety shows, beauty contests, fashion shows, award functions, film silver jubilee functions, the International Film Festival closing session (in Delhi), concerts, seminars, workshops, and trade presentations. He also compered stage shows abroad – in the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, the UAE, the Netherlands and the West Indies.

In Bollywood

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Song "Tamma Tamma Again" in movie Badrinath Ki Dulhania was remix of 90's popular Bollywood song Tamma Tamma featuring a Voiceover by Ameen Sayani.[2]

As of 2014, Sayani was still active in radio in India.[3][needs update]

Personal life

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Sayani married a Kashmiri Pandit, Rama Mattu a fellow voice artist.[4]

Death

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He died of a heart attack on 20 February 2024 at the age of 91.[5][6]

Honours and awards

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In 2009, he was presented with the Padma Shri award.[7] Apart from this, Ameen Sayani was a laureate of numerous awards such as:

  • Living Legend Award (2006) from loopFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, with India Radio Forum
  • Kaan Hall of Fame Award (2003) from Radio Mirchi (FM Network of the Times Group)
  • Golden Abby by Advertising Club, Bombay (2000) for the OUTSTANDING RADIO CAMPAIGN OF THE CENTURY ( "Binaca/Cibaca GEETMALA" ).
  • Hall of Fame Award (1993) from Indian Academy of Advertising Film Art (IAAFA)
  • Person of the Year Award (1992) Limca Book of Records
  • Gold medal (1991) from Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) presented by Mr. K.R. Narayanan, then Vice-President of India.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani gets Padma Shri". Thaindian News. 26 January 2009. Archived from the original on 1 February 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2009.
  2. ^ "Badrinath Ki Dulhania: Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt film gets a retro punch with Ameen Sayani's deep voice. Watch video". 8 March 2017.
  3. ^ http://www.ameensayani.com/sangeet.htm[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "hi:अमीन सयानी जन्मदिन विशेषः तब और अब के रेडियो में ज़मीन-आसमान का फर्क". amarujala.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  5. ^ "Ameen Sayani, Iconic Radio Presenter And Voice Of 'Geetmala', Passes Away At 91". 21 February 2024. Archived from the original on 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  6. ^ "Ameen Sayani, Iconic Radio Presenter And Voice Of 'Geetmala', Passes Away At 91". 21 February 2024. Archived from the original on 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  7. ^ Vinay Kumar (26 January 2009). "Kakodkar, Madhavan Nair, Bindra, Nirmala among Padma awardees". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 29 January 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2009.
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