Ameen Sayani, the iconic radio presenter known for his golden voice on Geetmala, has passed away at the age of 91. His family announced his demise on Wednesday due to heart failure.

Born on December 21, 1932, in Mumbai, Ameen Sayani was a household name for generations. He began his career as an English-language broadcaster before transitioning to Hindi after India's independence.

Sayani gained immense popularity through his radio program 'Geetmala', which played a crucial role in popularizing radio listening in India. Hosted by Sayani, 'Geetmala' became a national phenomenon, showcasing popular Hindi film music and captivating listeners for decades.

His signature greeting, "Behno aur Bhaiyo" (sisters and brothers), became instantly recognizable and widely imitated. Sayani's career spanned over six decades, during which he produced and presented over 54,000 radio programs and recorded 19,000 voice-overs for advertisements and jingles.

He also ventured into acting, appearing in various films in small roles, often portraying an announcer. Sayani's son Rajil Sayani confirmed his father's passing, stating that he was rushed to the HN Reliance Hospital in Mumbai but couldn't be saved. The funeral will be held on Thursday.

In a condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Sayani's "golden voice on the airwaves" for its charm and warmth. He acknowledged Sayani's significant contribution to revolutionizing Indian broadcasting and expressed condolences to his family, admirers, and all radio enthusiasts, wishing for his soul to rest in peace.