World Radio Day is celebrated every year on February 13, honoring a medium that has connected hearts long before the rise of podcasts and streaming platforms. Radio has always been more than just sound—it has been a companion, a storyteller, and a bridge between emotions and distances. Bollywood, too, has repeatedly captured this magic, portraying radio not merely as a profession but as a powerful emotional force.

On the occasion of World Radio Day, let’s revisit those memorable Hindi films and characters that made radio unforgettable on the silver screen.

Preity Zinta – Salaam Namaste

In Salaam Namaste, Preity Zinta played Amber “Amby” Malhotra, a confident and modern radio jockey. At a time when FM radio was rapidly gaining popularity among urban youth, her character reflected the changing face of Indian women—independent, outspoken, and emotionally connected to her listeners. Amby proved that radio jockeys weren’t just playing songs; they were voices people trusted and related to.

Vidya Balan – Lage Raho Munna Bhai

In this iconic film, Vidya Balan portrayed Janhvi, a radio host who spreads Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals through her show. Her character demonstrated the transformative power of radio, showing how a simple broadcast can inspire positive change and awaken social consciousness.

Sanjay Dutt – Lage Raho Munna Bhai

Although Sanjay Dutt didn’t play a radio jockey, radio played a pivotal role in his character Munna Bhai’s journey. The spread of “Gandhigiri” through radio broadcasts showed how this medium could influence millions, turning ideas into movements and voices into revolutions.

Hrithik Roshan – Guzaarish

In Guzaarish, Hrithik Roshan’s character Ethan Mascarenhas hosts a late-night radio show filled with poetry, pain, and introspection. Confined to a wheelchair, Ethan finds freedom through his voice. The film beautifully captures how radio connects souls, offering comfort and companionship through words alone.

Vidya Balan – Tumhari Sulu

Once again redefining radio on screen, Vidya Balan played Sulochana (Sulu)—a simple housewife who becomes a late-night RJ. Her character highlighted the intimacy of radio, where listeners open up about their lives without fear or judgment. Tumhari Sulu celebrated radio as a space of warmth, honesty, and human connection.

Why Radio Still Matters

These films remind us that radio isn’t just background noise—it’s a voice that listens, heals, and empowers. On World Radio Day, Bollywood’s portrayal of radio stands as a tribute to a medium that continues to resonate, even in a digital-first world.