radio days, all India radio, radio, radio related news, topics related to radio
SATURDAY, 23 JUNE 2012 JASKIRAN CHOPRA
These days, FM radio is very popular and has been for some years. But before that, for quite a long time, listening to the radio was not at all the ‘in’ thing and transistor sets had been discarded in most homes. Television had taken over completely, especially with the satellite TV coming in and VCRs and VCPs were a rage before cable TV and satellite TV.
But long before all this happened was the time when in every home, the radio set (the big radios before transistor sets became popular) was the centre of attraction and people sat near it to carefully hear every word that was spoken by the announcers and newsreaders and enjoy the Hindi film songs that were played almost all day long.
One could keep working while listening to the programmes. In fact, many people said that they could concentrate better when the radio played in the background. Some students could solve their Maths problems only when they sat next to the radio. It gave them a sense of comfort.
The legendary anchor, Ameen Sayani, was a friend for every family. They were hooked to his fascinating voice and loved his famous show Binaca Geetmala (later called Cibaca Geetmala) on Radio Ceylon which brought all the members of the family around the radio every Wednesday night.
As he presented the various popular songs on their respective payedaans (foot rests) in his extremely magical and husky voice, the wait for the Sartaj Geet of the week became nail-biting for the listeners. The show ended with the most popular song (Sartaj Geet). Some hit songs remained on the top position for quite a few weeks. The Geetmala was, no doubt, the highlight of the week as far as entertainment was concerned. And the kind of fame which Sayani enjoyed cannot be even dreamt of by any RJ or TV anchor of today. The warmth, sunshine and goodness in his voice could light up anyone’s day and bring cheer to the most downcast person. There was an instant emotional connection that was established.
At 8 am every morning, any one song of the legendary Kundan Lal Sehgal was played on Radio Ceylon. Before the song was aired the Loma Hair Oil commercial which said “Loma Time, 8 am Loma Hair Oil.” This was the time when school children like us rushed for the school bus, quickly picking up their sandwich from the breakfast table and munching while going to school. Vividh Bharati was no less magical. The sponsored programmes, the many jingle-based commercials, the film-based programmes, soundtracks of movies and interviews of film stars and other celebrities — all made this station a delight for listeners. Lifebuoy hai jahan, tandurusti hai wahan, Horlicks zyada shakti deta hai, Washing powder Nirma, Ranipal, Ranipal, Ranipal kapde ujale aur safed, bolo kya hai iska bhed, yeh hai kam kharche wala Ranipal,” are some of the jingles which were on everybody’s lips and are remembered fondly even today.
Nobody felt the need for any other entertainment. One felt rich if one had a radio. It was like a friend, philosopher and guide. Recipe-based programmes and a special programme for women (Bahnon ka karyakram) were very popular with housewives. And magazine programmes for the literary minded were a treat to tune in to. The request shows like Date with You and Forces’ Requests were a great hit with youngsters all over the country. The Yuv Vani station of All India Radio catered specially to youth and gave an opportunity to college students to host its various programmes like Mehfil and In the Groove.
When transistors sets came to the market, people were attracted even more to the medium. Sets of various colours and designs were coveted by children and teenagers. Various models were given different names, adding a personal touch. People going to work on bicycles could be seen with their transistors hanging from their cycle handles (with belts that were attached to the covers used for the transistors). There was no better companion they could choose for keeping them preoccupied during their journey. The transistor accompanied people to the trains, buses, picnics, fields, shops and all kinds of journeys. Like the mobile phone and the tablet do now.
The Urdu Service of All India Radio, with its Tameel-e-Irshad (playing old Hindi film songs on request) and Tapsara (commentary on current affairs), were very popular and all their presentations were full of grace and dignity.
FM channels are, no doubt, lively and pleasant. But the pride of place that radio enjoyed in those days is unforgettable!
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