Legendary Indian radio presenter Ameen Sayani dies at 91 after suffering heart attack 

He was 91.

His son Rajil Sayani told The Indian Express his father suffered a heart attack on Tuesday night after which they took him to HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai, where he breathed his last.

Rajil shared, “The doctors at the hospital attended him but couldn’t save him and he was declared dead.”

Ameen Sayani and his contribution to the development of radio

A generation of radio listeners across the Indian subcontinent will remember Ameen Sayani for the iconic catchline which he used to introduce his shows: "Namaskar bhaiyon aur behno, main aapka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon (Namaskar my brothers and sisters, this is Ameen Syani)."

Breaking the stereotypical fashion in which radio presenters made announcements, Ameen Sayani used his unique way of interacting with his listeners to keep the audience glued to their sets.

He had gained immense popularity all across the Indian Subcontinent when he presented his Binaca Geetmala program of hits over the airwaves of Radio Ceylon.

The 30-minute radio programme, which ran from 1952 to 1994, is still considered one of the iconic Indian radio shows, fondly remembered by fans.

After its run on Radio Ceylon, the show was later shifted to All India Radio’s Vividh Bharti.

Also Read: Radio Ceylon: The Lankan queen of airwaves

He had produced, compered (or spoken for) over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles since 1951.

Born in 1932, Ameen Sayani also 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.

Ameen Sayani was introduced to All India Radio, Bombay, by his brother Hamid Sayani.

Reactions

Indian President Droupadi Murmu said an era ended with the death of Ameen Sayani.

Indian PM Narendra Modi mourned his death and said the iconic radio presenter had played an important role in revolutionising Indian broadcasting.

He posted on X: "Shri Ameen Sayani Ji’s golden voice on the airwaves had a charm and warmth that endeared him to people across generations. Through his work, he played an important role in revolutionising Indian broadcasting and nurtured a very special bond with his listeners. Saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family, admirers and all radio lovers. May his soul rest in peace."

Indian Minister Anurag Thakur posted on X: "Saddened by the demise of Ameen Sayani, the iconic radio announcer from the golden age of radio and the host of the iconic show 'Binaca Geetmala'. For most of us, he was the voice of the radio, who, with his magical wordplay, entertained and engaged us in a way no one had before. My condolences to his family, fans and followers in this difficult time."

"Ameen Sayani is no longer with us, but his magical voice lives on," he said.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said a voice synonymous with radio has 'fallen silent'.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah remarked: "Pained to know that Shri Ameen Sayani Ji the voice of the radio is no more. Sayani Ji leaves a void behind that will be difficult to fill. His golden legacy makes him immortal. My sincerest condolences to his near and dear ones and millions of admirers. Om Shanti. "