Jee Haan Behnon Aur Bhaiyon!

Radio lost its voice!

No prizes for guessing, I’m referring to Ameen Sayani’s recent passing. I have 5 distinctive memories of Ameen Sayani:

Nostalgic LP Sessions: Growing up, my fondest memories were listening to music on my Masa's LP records (Vinyls), particularly the cherished Binaca Geetmala collection. With Ameen Sayani's iconic voice as my guide, I used to get immersed in the golden era of Indian music. Initially amusing, his commentaries soon became an integral part of my routine, even extending to my bathroom singing sessions!

"Yeh Hai Amitabh!" Masterpiece: Following Amitabh Bachchan's injury in 1982, Ameen Sayani's production "Yeh Hai Amitabh!" stood out as a masterpiece. Seamlessly blending AB's iconic dialogues, songs, interviews, and Sayani's narration, it became a cherished possession for every AB fan, including myself. Click on this link to get a sense of what I’m talking about: https://rb.gy/24w4j8

Indore Days: During my higher studies in the early 1990s, radio served as our primary source of entertainment in Indore. Ameen Sayani hosted Cibaca Sangeetmala (Binaca Geetmala’s subsequent reincarnation), the weekly countdown show of top filmi songs used to be the most awaited program for us. His recommendations shaped our playlist, meticulously curated and recorded onto audio cassettes for endless playback.

Marketing Revelation: Over 25 years ago, when I ventured into marketing and advertising, I realized that Binaca Geetmala was more than just a radio show – it was a pioneering advertiser-funded program (AFP), one of the longest-running AFPs ever. Ameen Sayani's narration worked like magic, leaving an unforgettable imprint on the brand's recall. I still remember the way he used to call out BINAAACAA!

Retro Fun with Family: A few years back, my daughters joined Shiamak Davar classes and prepared hard for a stage performance. Guess the song? The remix version of Tammy Tammy Loge from the Bollywood flick Badrinath Ki Dulhania. It took me on a nostalgia trip since it featured a voice-over by Ameen Sayani. Yes, it was total retro fun! The nostalgia prompted me to revisit Binaca Geetmala and Yeh Hai Amitabh on YouTube . As I write this piece, I'm getting goosebumps!

In the echoes of Ameen Sayani's sonorous voice, these memories stand as a heartfelt tribute to his lasting influence. Farewell, Ameen Sayani, your voice will forever resonate in our hearts - “Jee Haan Behenon Aur Bhaiyon”, “Paayadan” and the list can go on endlessly.

All India Radio Music India Shiamak Davars Institute For Performing Arts International Institute of Professional Studies, IIPS, DAVV, Indore

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