22/02/2024
It feels as if I should start with "once upon a time," but I'll refrain. These days, it all seems to hark back to such a time anyway. The year was either 1991 or 1992—my memory isn't what it used to be, a peculiar advantage of getting older, as Cicero said “I remember the very thing that I do not wish to; I cannot forget the things I wish to forget.”. Sadly, that is my case.
I was new to the advertising world at the time and worked at Everest Advertising.
I had written a radio ad. The moment I learned we'd be recording with Ameen Sayani, my excitement was beyond words. Imagine growing up listening to someone's program, and then one day, you're working with them.
This also brings me to my penchant for imperfection. Despite having written over 200 commercials, I could never fit them to the allocated 20 or 30 seconds—they always ran long.
I am forever thankful to the voice-over artists for their patience in the studio, helping me trim my work to fit.
Now, back to Ameen Sahab. Along with two marketing colleagues, I attended the recording session, nerves and all. Supervising and directing a voice-over artist, especially someone of Ameen Sahab's stature, was daunting. Yet, the mark of true greatness is making others feel at ease, showing no concern for one's experience level.
I've worked with many famous voice artists—Harish Bhimani, Chetan, Brij Ji, Sunil Grover, Ninad—without a hitch, except once with a junior artist.
Ameen Ji, upon reviewing the script, noted it was too long. Seeing my anxious look, he reassured me, promising to make it work. What I admire most about his voice is the tempo—fast yet clear. Unlike other recordings that are sped up to fit time, his needed no adjustment.
The twist came when the client rejected the ad, disliking the voice of the nation's most loved voice.
We informed Ameen Sahab, who took it in stride. We re-recorded with a different voice, and the client was satisfied.
Yet, this experience etched Ameen Sahab's greatness in my mind forever.
Farewell, Ameen Sahab. Your legacy is unforgettable.