How Philips Became the Sound of India: A Legacy in Vintage Audio

When you think of vintage radios or cassette players in India, one name echoes through every street corner, every old family cupboard, and every Sunday morning memory—Philips. With a presence in Indian households that dates back to the early 20th century, Philips wasn’t just another electronics brand—it was the sound of India. From large wooden radios that played Vividh Bharati in the 1950s to portable two-in-one cassette players that belted out Kumar Sanu in the 90s, Philips products weren’t just about music. They were about trust, longevity, and cultural relevance. In this blog, we trace the legacy of Philips in India and why their vintage audio products still command respect—and price—in the collectors’ world.

? A Dutch Beginning, An Indian Journey

Philips was founded in 1891 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, initially manufacturing carbon-filament lamps. It entered the world of consumer electronics and slowly became a leader in audio technology across Europe.

Entry into India:

• Philips set foot in India in 1930, establishing Philips Electrical Co. (India) Pvt Ltd in Kolkata.
• Its first major success came with valve radios, introduced just as the broadcasting scene in India began to bloom with All India Radio (AIR).
• Post-Independence, Philips became a household name, aligned with India’s modernization vision.

Philips products were seen not only as elite but aspirational—owning a Philips radio was a matter of pride.

? The Golden Age of Radios

During the 1950s and 60s, the Philips radio became as iconic as the Ambassador car or the HMT watch.

• Models like B3G29U and BX345U were found in every educated Indian home.
• AIR’s morning ragas and cricket commentaries played through Philips wooden body radios.
• Radios were often displayed with flowers and handled like heirlooms.

This was also the era of the "radio licence" where the Indian government charged a fee for owning a radio—a sign of just how powerful and important these devices had become.

? Cassette Revolution & The Philips Two-in-One

With the arrival of audio cassettes in the 1970s and 80s, Philips didn’t just adapt—they led the charge.

• Their famous "two-in-one" cassette player with radio became a mainstay of Indian households.
• From college students making mixtapes to families recording weddings, these devices were everywhere.
• The Philips C90 blank cassette became legendary for its durability.

For many kids born in the 80s and 90s, their first exposure to music was through a Philips two-in-one playing Lata Mangeshkar or RD Burman.

? Local Manufacturing & Indianization

To meet growing demand, Philips opened factories in Pune and Kolkata, giving employment to thousands and promoting "Made in India" long before it was a government slogan.

• Their products were built to last—radios and cassette players from the 80s still work today with minor repairs.
• Philips also localized its product manuals into Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and other Indian languages.
• Even rural India trusted the brand, with Philips radios often used in farms, shops, and tea stalls.

This localization was key in cementing emotional bonds between Philips and Indian families.

? Decline of an Era

With the rise of CDs, MP3s, and finally smartphones, Philips slowly faded from the mainstream audio scene in India.

• In the late 90s, they stopped producing cassette-based audio systems in large numbers.
• Their dominance was replaced by new players like Sony, LG, and later, Bluetooth brands like JBL.
• However, their legacy remained intact—Philips players are still prized at vintage audio auctions and flea markets across India.

Many Indian homes still have an old Philips player tucked away in a cupboard—often still functional.

? Comeback in the Vintage Market

Today, there is a resurgence of interest in old Philips audio systems, especially in urban India.

• Collectors and vintage audio lovers are paying high prices for working models of 60s and 70s Philips radios.
• Social media accounts like Rhythm Gears are bringing these stories back to life.
• Cafés and home decor brands now display vintage Philips radios as retro-luxury art pieces.

In a fast-changing world, there’s a sense of security in the slow, warm, analog sound of a Philips machine.

? Fun Facts About Philips India

• The term “Philips wali radio” is still used colloquially by older Indians to describe any radio.
• Philips radios were used in Indian Army camps during the 1965 and 1971 wars for communication.
• In many old Bollywood films, a Philips radio is used as a storytelling device, like in Rajnigandha and Chhoti Si Baat.

?️ Repair Culture Around Philips

Even today, many Indian cities have old electronics repair shops that specialize in servicing Philips audio equipment. Places like Lamington Road (Mumbai), Chandni Chowk (Delhi), and SP Road (Bangalore) are filled with:

• Original spare parts
• Cassette belts and knobs
• Expert technicians who’ve worked on these machines for decades

This repair ecosystem keeps the Philips legacy alive and audible.

? Final Thoughts: A Brand That Became Family

Philips didn’t just sell audio systems. It sold companionship. It sold Sunday mornings, radio dramas, romantic songs on rainy days, and devotional tunes at dawn. For millions of Indians, Philips is not just a brand—it’s emotion in analog form.