Broadcasting LEGEND

Broadcasting Legend.

I felt fortunate to have had a glimpse of that Broadcasting legend, Mr. Ameen Sayani, during the brief interview in the program ‘Being a Legend’ telecast by CNN-IBN on Saturday 1.30 pm (19-7-2008) and repeated next day at 1.30 pm.

He had a captivating voice, and literally ruled the hearts of all Hindi knowing, and some of Hindi listening audience from 1952 for about 45 years.

When I was listening to his experience, and comments it just occurred to me that he had all the ingredients to become a legend. In fact, becoming a legend was an inevitable consequence.

Body, mind and breath are closely interwoven, though loose within each other. It is exactly this aspect which was deeply looked at by our ancient masters, when they perfected the technique to reach deeper levels of consciousness!

Our legend, Mr.Ameen Sayani, happened to become more and more breath conscious, given the nature of his profession (or else that noise of inhalation /exhalation would get ‘aired’ during a broadcast). Attempting a fair control over this breath must have contributed towards acquiring a steady pattern! By itself, this would mean not much since most ‘mike’ users do this. His attitude right from start was very positive, and that was a major contributor as a catalyst, to the exponential growth/evolvement in his ‘being’! This was amply visible when he said that he never imposed himself on the other person during interview recording of celebrities. He also mentioned about participation in the emotional psyche of the other person to help the other person to get motivated, and also took care to come out when appropriate! Most of the ancient Masters held their disciples in this way. This bond is symbolized by numeral 8 wherein both the circles are in contact, maintaining the independence. Where as when both are in same circle, there is a domination for vested interests. He attributed his ‘recognition’ amongst radio listeners due to this non-interrupting attitude during interviews. Perhaps he set into motion, the concept of “Radio listeners club’, and it took of phenomenally. He also had to get rid of that Gujarathi accent which came with his childhood days, and he was aware, it took some seven years to acquire the required Indian National Language accent! In a subtle manner, he underwent the ‘experience’ of how deeply embedded characteristics could be consciously loosened up! Most spiritual seekers find this as a major stumble-block!

I had read somewhere that ancient Rishis, conducted a broadcasting of different kind! This may be quite difficult to agree, understand or accept, but the rishis never bothered about the aspect of ‘recognition’. In fact, they preferred remaining incognito. It seems the time of broadcast was Brahma Muhurtham, at their station of broadcast (some remote inaccessible cave, where interference of most types, is obviously least!). A logical inference, though very weak, can be drawn from various instances, to mention a few,
a) Most patients in hospital, undergoing acute pain, get some respite during early hours.
b) Early risers, find this period very useful to focus on any problematic issue.
c) Music teachers (traditional), suggest this time to reasonably amenable students.
d) Professional truck drivers, find it safe to park for a while during early hours, since ‘deep relaxation’ over powers them, when they try to strain and concentrate during all-night non-stop driving.
e) Some surgeries are undertaken during early hours in reputed hospitals.
And so on…

Our legend Mr.Ameen Sayani did enjoy some of the facilities of seclusion, non-interference of noises, etc inside that broadcasting room confinement, for a sufficient period of time. May be, it added to his advantage while undergoing a crude form of meditation/sadhana/tapas, like cave-confinement, single minded, well focused practice of ‘reaching’ out to people far way, through well modulated, well appealing, soft, clear, loving voice !

It is no wonder that he was able to put forth the essence of his experience in developing a yet another unique approach towards good communication skills! He mentioned five “sa” prefixed Hindi words, as a thumb rule to develop into being a good broadcaster.
Sanchar, is a form of communication he explained. So, he suggested five “sa’s”.
Sahi (correct)
Satya (true)
Spasht (clear, unambiguous)
Saral (simple, easy to understand)
Sundar (appealing, attractive).

He tried out migration to TV, but found that he felt more comfortable with something he was doing for years. Well, he was no novice at ‘contentment’! He gladly accepted a tin of ovaltine in lieu of ‘remuneration’ during early days of broadcasting for ‘commercials’!

I felt there was much to learn and imbibe from his rich experience!
I wish many more years of valuable & priceless contribution from this Living Legend Mr.Ameen Sayani to our ‘listeners’!
Psn (20-07-2008)