KISHORE KUMAR ONCE CALLED AMEEN SAYANI BORING; CONDUCTS INTERVIEW
The beloved radio presenter, Ameen Sayani, who passed away on Tuesday, had fondly recalled a playful moment with Kishore Kumar. Sayani, known for his baritone voice and engaging radio programs, often shared Bollywood trivia and hosted star interviews on his iconic show Geetmala. The memory of Kishore Kumar’s impromptu interview remains a cherished gem in Sayani’s legacy of entertaining broadcasts.
When Kishore Kumar Dubs Ameen Sayani ‘Boring’, Conducts His Own Interview!
Born in Mumbai on December 21, 1932, Ameen Sayani came from a multilingual family. His iconic introduction, “Namaste behno aur bhaiyon, main aapka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon” on Radio Ceylon, marking a new era in Indian radio and remains etched in the memories of listeners, evoking strong nostalgia even today. This was a departure from the formal, authoritative tones of state-owned All India Radio, offering a friendly, urban, and modern voice that immediately captivated listeners.
The celebrated radio presenter who passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 91, had reminisced about the time when Kishore Kumar playfully criticized him on his show, eventually conducting his own interview. Sayani, known for his deep baritone voice and entertaining radio programs, often shared trivia about Bollywood celebrities and interviewed stars for his popular show Geetmala.
While many celebrities readily participated in his show, getting yesteryear star Kishore Kumar to speak with him proved to be a challenge for Sayani, despite their friendship and shared outings. The two had become friends in the early 1950s when Sayani aspired to be a singer. Their bond grew strong, often enjoying picnics together in Kumar’s old “Chalti Ka Naam Gadi” car.
However, in 1952, when Sayani began hosting the show Geetmala on radio, he encountered difficulties with Kumar. Sayani needed Kumar’s input for the show’s tapes to be sent to Radio Ceylon, but Kumar kept canceling on him. Frustrated with the delays, Sayani persisted, and Kumar finally agreed, requesting Sayani to come to a studio in a distant suburb.
Arriving with his “giant” recorder, Sayani faced an unexpected turn of events. He recalled, “I was stopped by a producer at the gate. He said sheepishly, ‘Kishore called me to say that he’ll only come to the studio to shoot for my film after you’ve come and gone.’ I saw red. I was hurt and broken. I made up my mind never to ask him for an interview again. I stopped meeting him.”
However, the situation changed in the 1960s when Kumar approached Sayani to promote his films on his radio program. During a show called Saridon Ke Saathi on Vividh Bharati, Kumar came to promote “Badti Ka Naam Dadi” (1974). Sayani, seizing the moment, told Kumar, “Didn’t you see two pehelwans (wrestlers) standing outside? They’ll beat you up if you don’t give me an interview.”
Taken aback by Sayani’s playful assertiveness, Kumar jokingly told him that he “bores” people and instructed him to move aside as he would conduct his own interview. Sayani fondly remembered, “Go sit in the corner and let me conduct the interview.” Kumar then proceeded to interview himself, portraying different stages of his life and even acting as the judge in a humorous exchange.
Reflecting on this unique encounter, Sayani acknowledged that this self-conducted interview by Kishore Kumar became the highlight of his career. It showcased Kumar’s wit and playful nature, leaving a lasting impression on Sayani and his listeners.
Kishore Kumar, who initially began his acting career in the 1946 film “Shikari” at the insistence of his brother Ashok Kumar, had always harboured dreams of making it big as a singer in the industry.
