Legendary Radio Host Ameen Sayani Passes Away At 91

Iconic radio personality Ameen Sayani has passed away at the age of 91, according to reports from various media sources. Sayani breathed his last on Tuesday night, succumbing to heart failure.

Starting his career as an English broadcaster, Sayani rose to prominence as a Hindi host with the immensely popular show 'Geetmala'. His distinct voice and presentation style endeared him to audiences across generations.

Known for his trademark greeting 'Bhaiyo or Behno', Sayani's 'Geetmala' became a household name since its inception in 1952, airing until 1994. During the program, Sayani provided insightful commentary on the featured songs, contributing to its enduring success. Although briefly revived in the early 2000s, the show left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian radio.

In a 2003 interview with e4m, Sayani discussed the evolution of listenership and the impact of Western influences on Indian music. Reflecting on 'Geetmala', he remarked on its increasing credibility over the years, recalling how it became a trusted source for music enthusiasts. Despite initial challenges with station acceptance, the program eventually found a home on Vividh Bharati under the name 'Cibaca Sangeetmala', after initially airing as 'Cibaca Geetmala' on Radio Ceylon. Even after its discontinuation on Radio Ceylon, the show continued to be broadcast on Vividh Bharati as 'Cibaca Geetmala'. Sayani's legacy as a radio icon will continue to resonate in the hearts of his listeners and peers alike.