On 8^th November, 2021, our very own Yazdi Naoshirwan Karanjia, the exceptionally talented, leading stage actor and personality of Gujarati and Parsi theater, was awarded the most prestigious Padma Shri, India’s top civilian honour, by President Kovind, at a glittering ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, 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, 25^th January, 2020, when the awards were formally announced.

“He holds a prominent place in the world of live theatre and continues to contribute through his humour,” read the tweet shared by the President of India, praising Yazdi Karanjia.

Speaking with Parsi Times, Padma Shri Yazdi Karanjia shared, “It’s an incomparable feeling of joy and gratitude. It’s like when you do something good and you are acknowledged for it with a grand pat on the back – to me it feels like the whole nation has patted my back! A few lines that come to me on this occasion are: ‘Hasna aur hasaana – yeh koshish hai meri, Har koi khush rahey – yeh chaahat hai meri; Mujhey koi yaad karein ya na karein, Har apne ko yaad karne ki aadat hai meri’ (translated as: To laugh and to make others laugh is my endeavour; To see everyone happy is my greatest desire; Whether people remember me or don’t; It is my habit to remember all my close ones).

Based in Surat, and born on the 3^rd 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 and Gujarati theater continues to enchant crowds with his unique brand of clean and witty humour.

To receive the Padma Shri in New Delhi, Yazdi was accompanied by his doting wife Veera and daughter – the dynamic Maharukh Chichgar, an equally accomplished theatre personality and trendsetter on stage. Shares Maharukh, “The whole trip with my parents was an unforgettable one. It was a matter of immense pride. When my father received the ‘Honour’, at that very moment a voice inside me said, ‘You don’t need looks or money to be noticed… it’s your work and goodness of heart that ultimately shined out’. Thanks dad, for this wonderful and meaningful ‘sutra’ of life.”

Ever since his return to Surat from the capital, after receiving the award, Yazdi Karanjia’s residence is thronged with dignitaries and well-wishers alike, who keep pouring in to congratulate him. This includes the Mayor and the Commissioner, relatives, friends and innumerable fans who are overjoyed at the honour bestowed on the man whose talent brings a smile to every face and whose humility and words of wisdom bring a smile to every heart.

Known for his kindness, grace, 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.

Speaking about his inspiring philosophy on life, he shares, “Life is to be lived with one main mantra or goal – and that is, no matter what hardships and challenges are thrown at you – try to keep cheerful and always keep smiling and laughing… and spread the happiness onto others too. Life will always pose difficulties and pain along the way, but these are the paths one must travel to reach one’s ultimate destination – and those who continue to smile through life’s trials have the most fulfilling journeys. You see, when you keep smiling and laughing, it brings you closer to God – as you radiate divine positivity. Laughter is pure. But let us never ever laugh at the expense of another – never laugh at another’s hurt, misfortune or humiliation or to bring down another. And most of all, remember this – when you laugh and smile with an open heart, you will inch closer to the divine, to God. But when you bring laughter to another, then God Himself draws closer to you! So, always face your pains and challenges with a smile and shine the sunshine of laughter into the lives of others. May God keep us all happy!”

“My wife, my children, my family – they are my oxygen. They have loved me immensely – I feel blessed and grateful. I thank 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,” says Yazdi.

And what message would he like to share with the community on a parting note? “There is one iconic Hindi song that sums up all that I believe in and how I have lived my life – Kisi ki muskarahaton pe ho nisaar, Kisi ka dard mil sakey to le udhaar, Kisi ke vaaste ho tere dil mein pyaar, Jeena isi ka naam hai. (Translated: Give your all to bring a smile to someone, take on another’s share of pain, To have a heart filled with love for another, That is what life is all about),” he succinctly concludes, in his inimitable style of grace laced with judiciousness.

Here’s once again extending our heartiest congratulations to Yazdi Karanjia for keeping the Parsi flag fluttering ever so high!