New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) Veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani, who has mesmerised old and young alike for decades with his golden voice, has been conferred with the Padma Shri in recognition of his contribution in the field of broadcasting.One of the most popular announcers of All India Radio (AIR), Sayani, 77, became a household name with his signature “behno aur bhaiyo” catchphrase in musical programmes like “Geetmala”.

Sayani has immensely contributed in the development of commercial broadcasting in India.

According to the Limca Book Of Records 2005, he has presented over 54,000 radio programmes and around 19,000 commercial spots and jingles, making waves in the radio world of India, Sri Lanka, the US, Canada, Britain, UAE and New Zealand.

His legendary countdown began on Radio Ceylon and continued over AIR’s Vividh Bharati for almost 46 years.

He has also produced and presented film personality interviews, plays and skits, musical features, quiz shows, career guidance and AIDS awareness programmes, feature film promotional trailers, etc.

Sayani was also a part of various movies like “Bhoot Bangla”, “Teen Devian”, “Boxer”, “Qatl”. He appeared in these movies in the role of an announcer.