Our Community’s legendary theatre personality and Bollywood actor, the icon of Parsi theatre, Dinyar Contractor was awarded one of the nation’s highest honours, the prestigious Padma Shri Award for 2019, by the Government of India. The award was announced on the eve of Republic Day in recognition of his comprehensive contribution to Parsi and Gujarati theatre.

Speaking to Parsi Times on the proud occasion, Dinyar Contractor said, “I’m elated to receive this honour and have been flooded with congratulatory calls since it was announced! I’m thankful to God and to all my well-wishers. I’ve never worked for awards. When I got the call from Delhi, I thought it’s not genuine – someone’s just playing the fool. But I realized it’s the truth when I started getting numerous congratulatory calls from distinguished personalities, and when it sunk in, I was quite surprised!”

When asked how he feels on receiving this national recognition, in his evergreen humorous and inimitable manner, he quips, “I’m feeling heavy – maaro vajan vadhi gayo! Though I feel it should have come sooner, I guess it’s better late than never!”

The dynamic Dinyar Contractor is currently working on a grand show in the pipeline. “I’m planning a huge, mega, magical show this year!” he says.

What words of wisdom would he like to share with the Community on this occasion? “Never give up! No matter what, keep trying – you are bound to succeed as long as you keep trying. If I can achieve this honour, so can you!” he emphasizes.

Kudos to Dinyar Contractor!

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Photos Courtesy : Rehan Daruwalla - Mazda Audio Video Lab