Listen Vividh Bharti Radio – देश की सुरीली धड़कन

Vividh Bharati is one of the most famous entertainment radio services in India. It was started by All India Radio (AIR) to provide light entertainment, especially film music, to Indian listeners. Over the decades it became one of the most loved radio channel of Bharat.

1. Background and Origin (1950s) –

After India’s independence in 1947, All India Radio mainly broadcast news, classical music, and educational programs. However, listeners—especially the younger audience—wanted more film songs and light entertainment.

During the early 1950s, many Indian listeners started tuning to Radio Ceylon (now Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation), which broadcast popular Hindi film songs. Programs like Binaca Geetmala became extremely popular in India.

To compete with Radio Ceylon and bring listeners back to AIR, the Government of India decided to launch a new entertainment service.

2. Launch of Vividh Bharati (1957) –

Vividh Bharati Service was officially launched on 3 October 1957 from Bombay (now Mumbai).

The name “Vividh Bharati” means “Diverse India”, reflecting the variety of entertainment programs offered.

Initial broadcasts included:

• Hindi film songs
• Short plays and dramas
• Music-based programs
• Listener request shows
• Celebrity interviews

Soon, the service expanded to many cities across India.

3. Growth and Popular Programs (1960s–1980s) –

During the 1960s and 1970s, Vividh Bharati became India’s most popular radio entertainment channel.

Some legendary programs included:

• Binaca Geetmala – Hosted by Ameen Sayani, it counted down the most popular Hindi songs of the week.
• Hawa Mahal – Radio dramas and short plays.
• Sangeet Sarita – Educational program on classical music.
• Jaimala – Special program dedicated to Indian soldiers.
• Shri Ramcharit Manas – Most popular religious program

Vividh Bharati was famous for broadcasting Bollywood music, which attracted millions of listeners.

4. Introduction of Commercial Broadcasting –

In 1967, Vividh Bharati introduced commercial advertisements. This was important because:

• It generated revenue for All India Radio
• It supported the expansion of broadcasting services
• It attracted corporate sponsors

Soon, the channel became the main advertising platform on Indian radio.

5. Expansion Across India –

Vividh Bharati gradually expanded its network through medium-wave transmitters across the country.

Major broadcasting centres included:

• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Chennai
• Kolkata
• Lucknow

By the 1990s, the service reached almost the entire Indian population.

6. Vividh Bharati in the Modern Era –

Today, Vividh Bharati is still operated by All India Radio and is available through:

• Medium Wave radio
• FM relay stations
• Digital radio
• Online streaming

Even in the age of television and the internet, Vividh Bharati remains popular for:

• Classic Hindi songs
• Retro programs
• Cultural shows
• Special broadcasts for the Indian Armed Forces

Shri Ramcharit Manas is Vividh Bharati’s most popular religious program.