Which household did not play Binaca Geetmala? I understand now that it was introduced in 1952, broadcast from Radio Ceylon, and later moved to India’s Vividh Bharati in the late 1980s. I heard it for the first time when I was around nine. The program featured the golden-voiced Ameen Sayani (I hope I got the spelling right; otherwise, I seek pardon), who hosted a Hindi film song countdown show. This might have been the first time many of us became unconsciously aware of sponsored and advertised programs. If my often failing memory serves me right, there were prizes for correctly guessing the placement of a song in the rankings.

All the residents were very benevolent and helpful, maximizing the volume to play this highly popular program so that even those without radios could listen. There was no need to move—just sit in your house and enjoy the blaring melodies. The family that got the radio first were good family friends, and we were often invited to their house to listen. Such was the friendship and relationship in those days; we were gracefully offered snacks too. And as kids, what more could we expect? Bliss.

Among friends, there was always an interplay of guessing which song would be ranked first or top the charts. Many of those songs have left a lasting imprint on my mind. I’m sorry I can’t recall them all because my memory and I are not always on the same page. But I will list a few that many might recall with fondness:

“Meri Jaan Meri Jaan,” “Bol Re Katputli Bole,” “Yeh Malik Tere,” “Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo,” “Main Bombay Ka Babu, Main Rickshawwala,” “Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolege,” “Mera Joota Hai Japani,” “Main Awara Hoon,” “Ek Pardesi Mera,” “Reshmi Salwar,” “Oopar Wala Jaan Kar,” “Jaane Wo Kaise,” “Sir Jo Tera Chakraye,” and many more. How do I recall? They are all stored away, and with the slightest indication of the beginning of a song, they rush back. Such was the power of music, melody, and, of course, repetitive hearing.

I think the song “Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolege Woh Barsaat Ki Raat” topped the charts for almost two years.

And then there were movies with musical hits—so many of them: Awara, Barsaat Ki Raat, Mother India, Howrah Bridge, Pyaasa, Kaala Pani. No, sorry, I don’t want to strain my memory further. I’m sure wonderful references must be available somewhere on the internet.

To be continued... 47 - Part 3.