Inputs by Khushru Boyce

Almost five years after the hugely rewarding and artistically enriching Laughter in the House, which revived the essence of Parsi theatre and resurrected memories of theatre stalwart, late Adi Marzban, its second instalment was unveiled at the Tata Theatre on 19th February, 2017 to a thunderous applause and – as expected – to a full house. The play was sponsored by Godrej Properties and Casablanca Wines.

Adi Marzban was the original ‘King of Good Times’. His contribution to Parsi theatre can never be overemphasised. The man who went with the grain of Parsi culture – and with an eye for detail in all matters – was the doyen and modern-day founder of contemporary Parsi theatre. Who can forget his association with stalwarts Homi Tavadia, Pheroze Antia, Dorab Mehta, Nader and Hilla Nariman, Burjor and Ruby Patel, Bomi and Dolly Dotiwala, Jimmy Pocha, Dinshah Daji, Rohinton and Scheherazade Modi, to name just a few?

On Gandhi Jayanti 1972, with the advent of TV in Bombay – now Mumbai – Adi brought in the hugely successful and popular Aavo Maari Saathe. Subsequently, he devised the word game-show, What’s The Good Word, later carried on by Sabira Merchant.

As the clock chimed seven, the three-piece live orchestra signalled the start of the two-hour plus event. Anchor/ compere Jim Vimadalal then commenced proceedings in his inimitable style. After Hormuzd Khambatta’s dance troupe rendered Staying Alive with the entire cast of Laughter in the House in attendance, came the much awaited skits and gags – a doctor’s clinic, takeoffs on a popular chat show, our very own Parsi cricket and cricketers, a Parsi-owned airline, Jio Parsi scheme, an invalid patient, a spoof on Deepa Mehta’s film, etc.

Crowd favourite Hormuzd Ragina brought the house down with his rendition of Falling in Love, Young at Heart, and a hilarious take on It’s Now or Never. Laughter in the House Kayo Billimoria pitched in with Quando Quando and Shanaya Boyce with Celine Dion and Whitney Houston ditties.

Sam Kerawalla fulfilled his commitment by introducing youngsters Jasmin Siganporia, Meiron Damania and Rashna Karai (winners at last year’s Draame Bawaas) in this second edition. But it was the joie de vivre, with their enthusiasm and eloquent expressions of the seniors Bomi Dotiwala, Ruby and Burjor Patel, Dinyar Contractor and Moti Antia that stole the show.

Laughter in the House 2, like its predecessor, was originally intended to be a tribute to Adi Marzban. Circumstances willed otherwise, as fate reared its ugly head two days before the show. Dolly Dotiwala, who with her illustrious husband Bomi, were the core members of their mentor Adi Marzban’s group and his proverbial pillars of strength, passed away on the 17th – just a couple of days before Season 2 unfolded. Dolly, whose association with Adi Marzban (and husband Bomi) started way back in 1961, was an accomplished artiste – singing, dancing and acting being her forte. Old-timers would surely recall her nuanced performances in Mancherji Konna, Pakar Maaru Puchhroo, Vaanki Puchhri na Vicaji and Sagan Key Vagan.

Even as 56 years of togetherness came to a close and his heart wept for his beloved Dolly, the professional in Bomi came to the fore and he stood his ground – ‘The show must go on’, he said. He would honour his commitment to Laughter in the House 2. Bomi Dotiwala received a stupendous standing ovation for his rendition of Tehmina tu paachhi aav. As Jim Vimadalal told me, “theatre is a religion with our community which loves to laugh, and Laughter in the House is that vehicle.”