Yazdi Naoshriwan Karanjia, the exceptionally talented, leading stage actor and personality of Gujarati and Parsi theater, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s topmost civilian honours, by the Government of India, for his unparalleled contributions in the field of the Arts. Parsi Times was delighted to break the splendid news to our community on the eve of Republic Day, 25th January, 2020, when the awards were announced.
Based in Surat, and born on the 3rd of March, 1937, Yazdi Karanjia is known for his dynamism, onstage energy and never-failing ability to command the audiences’ undivided attention, and effortlessly have them double over in splits, with his unmatched comedy timing. Well into his 80s, this legendary doyen of Parsi theater continues to enchant crowds with his unique brand of clean and witty humour in Parsi Nataks, with a recent stint performed at the Iranshah Udvada Utsav in December, last year.
Speaking to Parsi Times on the great occasion of being awarded the Padma Shri, Yazdi Karanjia said, “Even the smallest of appreciations from friends or family bring us so much joy within… and this recognition is when my beloved nation itself has shown me appreciation, so I am beyond myself with so much joy that I’m unable to express it! I am ever so humbled and grateful for this honour to our grand nation, the Government of India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Shri Ram Nath Kovind.”
Known for his absolute humility and gentle demeanour, Yazdi Karanjia has dedicated the greater part of his life in two main directions – dramatics and education. He established the ‘Yazdi Karanjia Group’ in 1958, with his brother and theater personality, who he held closest to his heart – Mehernosh Karanjia. This theater group is amongst one of the most respected and sought after in Gujarati/Parsi theater circles. He also founded The Cambay Institute of Commerce in Surat, which aims at empowering adults with self-sustenance through education, where he still teaches accountancy.
“I wish to thank my saint-like parents for their blessings, all my teachers and kala gurus, especially – Dr. Ratan Marshall, Chandravadan Mehta, Late Phiroze Antia, Late Adi Marzban, Dhansukhlal Mehta; as also my students, my Group members, my fellow Surtis (Surat residents) and last but in no way the least – my lovely family for their constant support – my wife Veera, my late brother Mehernosh who is always in my heart, my dear daughters and my son and my sister-in-law – all of them are to be thanked for this achievement. Aa baddha mahra vahlaon hata, to eleko na khaba par ubha rai ne hoon tamune motto laagu chu. I dedicate this award to my fellow Surtis and my fellow Indians – and I recommit myself to this added sense of responsibility which comes along with a recognition as grand as this! Till I’m healthy and able, till my last breath, I will continue to dedicate myself to my art and my education, and I will continue to do as many shows as possible so I can keep contributing towards various charities,” adds Yazdi Karanjia.
Here’s extending our heartiest congratulations and gratitude to Yazdi Karanjia for keeping the Parsi flag fluttering high!
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