Radio broadcaster Hamid Ameli dies at 66

Ameli, also called ‘Daddy Ameli’, was particularly remembered for his narration of “The One Thousand and One Nights”.

Veteran radio broadcaster Hamid Ameli attended a commemoration ceremony held in his honor by Iranian state radio on December 31, 2007. He died of lung cancer at Tehran’s Kasra Hospital on January 6.

Many people have fond childhood memories of listening to Daddy Ameli’s voice narrating stories on Friday afternoons, and adults tuned into his evening programs which were called “Night Journey”.

Ameli began his radio career in 1958 but he was obliged to retire some years ago due to advancing age.

He also wrote short stories for the Kayhan children’s magazine.

It was only last week that studio number eight at Tehran’s radio station hosted a ceremony in his honor which was attended by his colleagues from the world of entertainment.

IRIB Deputy Director Hassan Khojasteh expressing his sorrow on the occasion of the demise of Ameli said, “Ameli was a great character in radio broadcasting. He made great efforts and we lost him too soon. He was not only an excellent storyteller but also a good writer.”

Khojasteh said during the ceremony held for him last week, “We should all respect Ameli and his extensive knowledge. Radio has always been in need of what is stored in Ameli’s heart and mind.”

His funeral will be held tomorrow and the procession will commence from Tehran’s Ark Square, near Tehran’s radio broadcasting station.

Ameli will be buried in the Artists Section of Tehran’s Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery.

RM/MA

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MNA