The recent passing of Ameen Sayani on February 20 at the venerable age of 91, engendered a poignant wave of nostalgia across social media platforms. Amidst the tributes, there was an outpour of compilations featuring hit songs from the iconic radio show ‘Binaca Geetmala’. These snippets are not mere fluff but hold a kernel of authenticity that symbolizes the fitting homage to Sayani’s influence, best celebrated through a melodious countdown of Hindi film classics.
The voice of Ameen Sayani remains undeniably intertwined with ‘Binaca Geetmala’, a testament to the brilliance of integrating a toothpaste brand with an immensely successful countdown show of film songs. Sayani’s contributions transcended radio; he dabbled in acting featuring in films like Bhoot Bungla and Teen Devian in the unique role of an announcer.
His impeccable work culminated in being honored with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2009, an award presented by the then President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, as a testament to his monumental impact on broadcast media.
Generations have their endearing ‘Geetmala’ memories, from those who diligently jotted down weekly song rankings in their notebooks to those who experienced an impromptu version of surround sound as they strolled through dimly lit village lanes, with melodious tunes cascading from radios in nearby shops. For many, Thursdays became a ritualized moment of shared joy or collective disappointment, contingent on whether their favorite songs triumphed or faltered in the weekly standings.
‘Binaca Geetmala’, originally an unordered selection of seven hit Hindi songs, evolved into a countdown extraordinaire broadcasting on Radio Ceylon from 1952 to 1988 and later on Vividh Bharati until 1994. This emergence was partly due to the All India Radio ban on Hindi film music, deemed vulgar and westernized by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, BV Keskar. Radio Ceylon seized this opportunity, much to the delight of music aficionados.
The structure of lists, inherently irresistible for their ease of information consumption, played into the hands of ‘Binaca Geetmala’. The show became a yardstick for gauging a song’s success, influencing the perceived trajectory of numerous composers’ careers. The solution to concerns over biased ratings lay in an innovative approach – appointing an ombudsman, ensuring the sanctity of the list by safeguarding against any partiality.
An overview of the annual hit songs is akin to an express journey through the evolution of popular Indian cinema. It sketches a vibrant cultural zeitgeist, reflecting the nation’s aspirations and dreams. The trajectory of ‘Geetmala’s’ hits chronicles a history that ranges from patriotic fervor with ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ to the liberation and experimentation of ‘Dum Maro Dum’, and later to the vibrant infusion of ‘Dafli Wale Dafli Baja’ and ‘Papa Kehte Hain’.
Beyond the legacy of the tracks, it was Ameen Sayani’s cheery voice that became a beacon of optimism and joy for listeners. His cadence and charisma not only ushered in a golden age of radio but also accompanied a nation through times of change and growth. Sayani’s influence extended beyond the boundaries of entertainment; it harmonized a collective consciousness steeped in melody and rhythm.
As the curtains close on the journey of this illustrious broadcaster, it is with deep gratitude and fond remembrance that the nation bids farewell. Sayani Sa’ab’s voice may have fallen silent, but the echoes of his contribution to the rich tapestry of Indian radio and the music he helped popularize will resonate for generations to come.
