Dear Readers,
Over the past few weeks, our nation has bid farewell to some of its finest creative souls including Jini Dinshaw, Piyush Pandey, Satish Shah, Asrani and Madhumati. Each, in their own inimitable way, enriched India’s artistic landscape, touching countless hearts.
Jini Dinshaw, the gentle yet formidable force behind the Bombay Chamber Orchestra, devoted her life to the pursuit of musical excellence, nurturing generations of musicians, keeping Western classical music alive in India long before it was fashionable. Satish Shah and Asrani, in particular, were household names within our community with their timeless humour, relatable characters and effortless performances.
Satish Shah’s delightful roles in Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Filmy Chakkar, and of course, the unforgettable Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai, reflected the humour and eccentricities we all identify with, becoming a cult favourite among Parsis. Asrani’s impeccable comic timing and hilarious dialogue delivery, made generations laugh – from the iconic hilarious jailor in Sholay to his brilliant acts in Chupke Chupke or the comparatively recent Bol Bachchan and Bhool Bhulaiyaa… he embodied a brand of comedy marked by exceptional wit and warmth.
Madhumati, born Hutoxi Reporter, danced her way into everyone’s hearts from the 1950s to the 1970s, embodying grace and glamour, carrying with her the creative spark of her Parsi roots. And Piyush Pandey, the visionary adman whose genius reshaped Indian advertising with outstanding campaigns like Cadbury’s Kuch Khaas Hai, Fevicol’s witty brilliance and the timeless Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.
Our community has always celebrated class acts – in theatre, music or film, recognising in them a reflection of our innate love for humour, talent and humanity. As we remember these icons, we are grateful for the privilege of having lived in their time and witnessed their brilliance unfold. May their creative flame inspire a new generation – perhaps even among our own – to rise, perform and create with equal grace and greatness. For, though the curtains may close on these legends, their light glows on, echoing through time as a testament to their power of passion, purpose and art… and living on in the laughter they sparked, the magic they created and all the lives they touched.
Have a lovely weekend!
– Anahita
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