Amitabh rejected in his 3 auditions | Ameen Sayani requested
Ameen Sayani, 91, departed from this life on Tuesday. He had said in a previous interview that he had turned down Amitabh Bachchan’s request to audition for a radio host position.
Amitabh Bachchan‘s career as a radio presenter was derailed by the “man with golden voice,” Ameen Sayani, who seduced audiences for decades with his distinct conversational style of show hosting. Sayani used to be so absorbed in his work that he mistakenly encouraged Bachchan to pursue an acting profession by turning down his three audition requests.
Tuesday marked Ameen Sayani’s death from a heart attack. He was ninety-one.
Sayani told how he lost the opportunity to try out for Bachchan, who went on to become the “Shehenshah” of Hindi cinema, back in 2014 when he was hosting the show “Sitaron ki Jawaniyaan.” The man whose voice he admired in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s 1971 film Anand is the same man who approached him with the desire of becoming a radio presenter, but he didn’t realize this until the film’s release.
Sayani revealed in a 2014 interview with PTI that, in addition to hosting 20 shows a week, he used to spend the most of his time in radio studios doing other radio processing tasks. This was back in the late 1960s. He hardly had time to see anyone, much less audition a man who paid him an unexpected visit.
Amitabh Bachchan, a young man, entered the voice audition room one day without an appointment. I didn’t have time for this scrawny dude. He departed after waiting and returned a few more times. However, I was unable to see him and continued to urge him to schedule an appointment and come through my receptionist, Sayani revealed.
Later, in a speech at an awards ceremony when Bachchan was the only guest invited by Sayani, the actor said that he had been turned down three times for an audition by a television company because they were “too busy to attend him.” Sayani was taken aback by the actor’s assertion and inquired about it from his wife Rama, who coworked with him at Radio Ceylon. She then brought up the fact that he had never met the man he had sent away with an appointment to come in, but she had never seen him.
“I regret turning down an audition for Amitabh Bachchan.”
The radio host was relieved that he did not meet Bachchan for an audition, though, since he would have ruined his own radio presenter career and prevented the nation from having an actor as talented as Amitabh Bachchan.
“I regret not giving him an audition, but I also realize that what happened was best for both of us,” he said to PTI. If he had gotten so much work on radio, Indian film would have lost its biggest star, and I would have been living on the streets.
After making his film debut in 1969 with Saat Hindustani, Amitabh Bachchan shot to fame in 1973 with Zanjeer. Even now, the performer keeps the audience entertained.
The Revelation
Ameen Sayani’s wife, Rama, who worked with him at Radio Ceylon, revealed the truth about the encounter. She informed Sayani that a man named ‘Amita Bachchan’ had come to meet him, but he had sent him away without an appointment. Sayani realized that he had missed the opportunity to audition Bachchan and potentially shape his career in broadcasting.
The Best Outcome
In retrospect, Ameen Sayani believes that everything happened for the best. Had he auditioned Bachchan and recognized his talent, he would have given him work as a broadcaster. Soon, clients would have requested Bachchan, leaving Sayani without a job. Moreover, the world might have missed out on the superstar of the millennium that Bachchan became.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Journey
Despite the missed opportunity with Ameen Sayani, Amitabh Bachchan went on to become one of the most revered actors in the history of Indian cinema. His powerful performances, commanding presence, and distinctive voice made him a force to be reckoned with. Bachchan’s contribution to the film industry is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of actors.
Ameen Sayani’s Legacy
While Ameen Sayani may have missed out on discovering Amitabh Bachchan’s talent for broadcasting, his own legacy in the radio industry remains intact. Sayani is known for his distinctive voice and his contribution to Indian radio, particularly through his iconic show “Binaca Geetmala.” He introduced millions of listeners to the latest Bollywood songs and became a household name.
The Impact of the Encounter
The encounter between Ameen Sayani and Amitabh Bachchan may have been a missed opportunity, but it had a profound impact on both individuals. Bachchan’s journey as an actor took off, while Sayani continued to shape the radio industry. Their paths may have diverged, but their contributions to Indian entertainment are undeniable.
Conclusion
The untold story of Ameen Sayani refusing to audition Amitabh Bachchan sheds light on the unpredictable nature of success and the role of chance encounters in shaping destinies. While Sayani may have missed out on recognizing Bachchan’s talent, it ultimately led to the rise of one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. Their parallel journeys serve as a reminder that sometimes the best outcomes are the result of unforeseen circumstances.
