Sayani recalls Pu La’s hand in his career

PUNE: Veteran radio presenter Ameen Sayani on Saturday credited noted humorist Pu La Deshpande for shaping his career and instilling an ability to laugh at himself.
Sayani was in the city to receive this year’s Pu La Smruti Sanman, presented as part of Pulotsav the annual cultural festival in memory of the multi faceted humorist that concludes on Sunday.
At an interaction with media persons, Sayani not only acknowledged the role of the humorist but also that of the city and Marathi language.“I have had a long association with Pune since I’ve been coming here since I was seven years old. I have immense respect for Pu La Deshpande and the humour in his literature and writings, which inspired me to laugh at myself. While I would be at the bottom, Deshpande was at the top rung of all media organizations that I was associated with. My rakhi sister here in Pune was the one who first suggested that I watch his plays. Though I could not do that, I certainly picked up ideas, about voice modulation and broadcasting, from him on the few occasions that I met him in person,” Sayani recalled.
For decades after India’s independence, Sayani was a household name across South Asia as he presented Binaca Geetmala on Radio Ceylon. Even today, his voice and style continues to be imitated by announcers and voice modulators. He has produced, compèred over 54,000 radio programmes and 19,000 spots/jingles since 1951.
Sayani regaled the audience with several anecdotes from his youth and credited film music for playing the greatest part in shaping the culture of the country. “Film songs are like an ever-flowing river that continues to create treasures all along its route. It is the best means of propagating Indian language and, thus, of national integration. Even now, some priceless creations do emerge among all the fast-paced music,” he said.
However, commenting on the changes in modern radio broadcasting, Sayani said, “Nowadays, presenters speak too fast, especially in commercial spots. Sometimes, it is difficult to catch the meaning of what they are saying. The essence of good broadcasting lies in speaking the truth with clarity in a natural voice, among other key attributes.”