How Sri Lanka Kept Bollywood Music Alive 🎼 | Story of Radio Ceylon Ep.3

Stepping into Radio Ceylon was like stepping back in time. On our first day in Colombo, what was planned as a simple tour turned into a profound journey into the golden age of Hindi music. The moment I walked through those old doors, I was hit by a scent I hadn't smelled in years—the musty, earthy smell of old paper and history. It was a sensory experience that instantly gave me a sense of wonder.

This place, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), isn't just a building; it's a living museum. It's home to the incredible Hindi Service, which for decades, was the voice of Indian film music for millions across the subcontinent. We saw old Uher machines, the kind my own father used for sound recording, and an immense library filled with priceless gramophone records.

The biggest surprise? I learned the incredible story of how during a time when Hindi songs were rarely heard on Indian radio, Sri Lanka kept the music alive by broadcasting them for free on shortwave. And in return, they were given something equally invaluable: Tata buses. It's a tale of friendship, music, and an unbelievable exchange that shows the deep connection between our nations.

I can't express my gratitude enough to Subhashini D'Silva, the librarian, whose passion and knowledge brought every record and every story to life. She is a treasure trove of information, and it was a privilege to hear her favorite song played for us on a vintage turntable. Thank you also to Cham for curating this incredible experience and showing us a side of Sri Lanka that goes
"beyond tourism."

This is just the beginning of my journey, but visiting Radio Ceylon on Day 1 has already set the tone. It's a reminder that true travel is about connecting with history, people, and the stories that bind us together.

If you enjoyed this journey with us, please hit the like button, share this video, and subscribe to my channel. And if you're interested in a similar curated tour, check out the links below!

Let’s Lanka. Let's get connected to history!

Ayubowan! 🙏 May you have a long and joyful life. ‪@srilankatourism_SLTPB‬

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🌟 A Note of Gratitude
This journey has been made even more special thanks to the gracious facilitation by **Sri Lanka Tourism (  / destination_srilanka  , whose warmth and vision have opened doors for such meaningful cultural exchange.

A heartfelt thank you to Chaminda Munasinghe (  / munesri  ) and to my dear friend Shyaman from Frames TV & Films for their generosity and guidance.
📸 @framestvandfilms (  / framestvandfilms  )
🌐 www.frames.lk (http://www.frames.lk)
📩 [email protected]
▶️ Frames TV & Films YouTube ‪@framestvandfilmsproduction8770‬

Travel, after all, is not just about discovering a new country — it is about building bridges of understanding, respect, and joy between nations. With pride and gratitude, I celebrate this collaboration.

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