 Ameen Sayani, one of the most famous popular radio announcers from India, is known all across the subcontinent for his golden voice. Ameen Sayani achieved fame and popularity all across South Asia when he started his presentation through Binaca Geetmala program over the airwaves of Radio Ceylon. He still remains the most imitated and respected announcer of Indian radio even today.
Ameen Sayani, belonging to a band of announcers of Radio Ceylon, enjoyed iconic status with millions of listeners. He is credited for popularising Radio Ceylon in India and the station ruled the airwaves during the 1950s and 1960s. Ameen Sayani also appeared in various movies like Bhoot Bangla, Boxer, Teen Devian, Qatl and others as an announcer. Ameen Sayani was born in 1932, into a patriotic family, which was deeply involved with Indian struggle of independence. He completed his education in prominent schools like New Era in Bombay and Scindia School in Gwalior and graduated from St. Xavier's College, Bombay (presently, Mumbai). For 14 years, Ameen Sayani helped his mother Kulsum Sayani in editing the journal "Rahber", published fortnightly for neo-literates. Ameen Sayani's brother, Hamid was a distinguished broadcaster in English, who introduced him into the wing of acting and direction, compering, writing and finally to All-India Radio. He was associated with All-India Radio, Bombay, for almost ten years where he conducted umpteen programmes in English. Ameen Sayani later entered the Indian agency of the Commercial Service of Radio Ceylon and shifted from English to Hindustani medium. He participated in radio shows and commercials for All-India Radio when its commercial service started on the network "Vividh Bharati". An expert in communicating in clear and credible Hindi, Ameen Sayani is best known for his act in "Binaca Geetmala." This programme was broadcasted since 1952 for over 42 years. It was later revived after 7 years and was aired over the National Network of Vividh Bharati as "Colgate Cibaca Geetmala", till August 2003. 
Ameen Sayani also conducted the "S. Kumars Ka Filmi Muqaddama" and "Filmi Mulaqaat" over SLBC and Vividh Bharati for 7 years. "Saridon Ke Saathi", AIR's first sponsored show was again Ameen Sayani presentation for 4 years. Other prominent shows by him are Bournvita Quiz Contest and Shalimar Superlac Jodi. He has also done several successful international radio shows like "Mini Insertions of Filmstar Interviews", "Music For The Millions", "Geetmala Ki Yaaden" and "Hangamay".
Ameen Sayani has also been an active member in various organisations and committees. He was the founder member, the President of Radio, and was associated with TV Advertising Practitioners' Association from 1984 to 1987. Ameen Sayani also founded the Advertising Standards Council Of India and had been the Chairman from 1989-90. He was the member of Council For Public Service Communication and Advertising Club, Bombay. For his unending contributions to Indian audio media, Ameen Sayani received the following awards - 
Ameen Sayani's presentations are as follows -
Ameen Sayani participated in many projects and committees set up by All-India Radio and Doordarshan and also organized a 6-day Radio Workshop for Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. He also directed several shows on Indian Radio. Ameen Sayani is still active in radio in India with his matchless voice. At present he hosts a show on RED FM and also produces a few shows for this national channel. During his career of over 50 years, Ameen Sayani has produced and compered more than 54,000 radio programmes and over 19,000 jingles. |
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