India's original radio jockey, Ameen Sayani roped in for 'Rustom' promotions

India's original radio jockey Ameen Sayani, who has entertained millions with his Binaca Geetmala programme for decades, is set to present his evergreen voice again - for a Bollywood film this time round. The 83-year-old has done a promotional audio to go with the theme of Akshay Kumar's upcoming film, 'Rustom', based on the 1959 Nanavati case.

(Top and above) Ileana D'Cruz and Akshay Kumar in exclusive pics of Rustom

That year, Naval commander KM Nanavati was tried for shooting his wife's paramour in a fit of rage when he caught them red-handed; the shocking case made headlines for months and gripped the nation.

The makers of Rustom wanted to make sure that the feel of the '50s extended well beyond the film and thought of an opportunity to promote the film accordingly. And that's when Akshay apparently thought of bringing back Sayani, the famed radio announcer of that time, for a promotional audio. The legendary RJ not only loved the idea, but also wrote the script himself. For him, it was like homecoming, say sources.

Sayani tells hitlist he was thrilled by the idea. He says, "I like Akshay and saw a few glimpses of the film. It was a bit of a challenge because the promos I used to do are a bit dramatic and this film seems understated. So, I toned it down and wrote the script accordingly."

Ameen Sayani

Sayani has done close to 8,000 film promos and about 58,000 episodes for radio channels in his career spanning over five decades, starting 1951.

Akshay says he is "really happy" to have gotten Sayani on board and hearing him was like revisiting childhood.

Indeed heartening to see filmmakers realising that promos have to match the film's theme instead of going for unimaginative, stereotyped campaigns.