Ameen Sayani, radio icon best known for 'Binaca Geetmala', dies at 91

Iconic radio host Ameen Sayani has died at age 91

Ameen Sayani, legendary radio announcer best known for the show "Geetmala", has died. He was 91. The iconic radio presenter died of heart failure, his family said on Wednesday.

Sayani's son, Rajil Sayani, told Indian Express that he suffered a heart attack on Tuesday night (February 20) and was taken to Mumbai's HN Reliance Hospital. He breathed his last in the hospital.

"The doctors at the hospital attended him but couldn’t save him and he was declared dead," said Rajil Sayani.

Widely credited for popularising radio in India, Sayani's style of addressing his audience with "Behno aur Bhaiyon", as against the traditional "Bhaiyon aur Behno," became his signature opening. It is still imitated and recognised today.

Born in 1932 in pre-Independence India, Sayani's career spanned six decades during which he produced or compered over 54,000 radio programmes. He helped popularise All India Radio (AIR) in the country.

Sayani's popular radio show "Geetmala" ran for over four decades. His wit and engaging style made him a beloved household name in India.

He was conferred with a Padma Shri in 2009.

Sayani's last rites will be held on Thursday.