“My father, the late Shaik Mahboob, started Mahboob Radio Service in 1933 in Dabeerpura, Hyderabad. In 1948, he shifted the shop to its present location in Chatta Bazar. He was initially in the PVC pipes business, but in the late 1920s, he got into selling and repairing radios. 

Like my father, my brother and I were drawn to radios from a young age. After school, we would help him repair various models-Murphy, Philips, Sony, Marconi, and more. Some of our customers were well-known personalities, including the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. We would fix radios for the palace, and our payment would come in a lifafa (envelope). Those were special days-the golden era of radio. 

Times have changed. With smartphones and modern gadgets taking over, radio sets have become rare. My brother, who shared this passion with me, is no more. But I continue to carry on the work we both loved. Even today, people from different parts of the country visit my shop, either to repair their old sets or to buy vintage radios. There aren’t many left who do this kind of work, but as long as I can, I will keep this legacy alive. 

At this stage in life, in my late 70s, even after recovering from a stroke, I still sit in my shop every day, repairing radios. This isn’t just a business-it’s a commitment, a passion, and a connection to history. 

On this World Radio Day, my only wish is that people don’t forget the joy of listening to the radio. I also hope radio jockeys bring fresh, engaging, and meaningful content to keep listeners tuned in. Radio is not just a medium-it’s a timeless companion that should continue for generations to come.”

– Mohammad Mohiuddin, Proprietor, Mahboob Radio Service

#Radio #MahboobRadio #WorldRadioDay #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad