There’s a pretty good chance that only if you stay in South Bombay will you know Parsis! With jokes about ‘Save the Parsis’ doing the rounds, we can’t shy away from the fact that they do make us proud!
So while they gorge on Dhansak and Patra Ni Machhi today (it’s Navroz, the Parsi New Year), we celebrate ten Parsis who have made their mark and have made us proud!
1. Ratan Tata
When you start the list with a name like this, the benchmark is already set! The suave business tycoon found a ‘nano’ solution to all the problems! Recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan, Ratan Tata‘s achievements make his the pride of the Parsis!
2. Freddie Mercury
We are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody and Crazy Little Thing Called Love are anthems of sorts from the famous band Queen. But did you know that their front man, Freddie Mercury, was born a Parsi, Farrokh Bulsara? So while Priyanka Chopra tries getting ‘exotic’ internationally, the Parsis can sit back and say – been there, done that!
3. Shiamak Davar
This Guru of Dance has successfully spread the joy of dance across five countries through a dance movement which is the largest in the world. From his singing days to acting and choreographing, Shiamak is a National Award winner and a proud Parsi!
4. Perizaad Zorabian
We’ve seen her in films, television commericals and TV shows. Perizaad is a popular Emcee at events as well. Owner of a restaurant in Mumbai, we spot her at quite a few parties in the city!
5. Boman Irani
Boman’s sense of humor and comic timing makes him one of the finest actors and award show hosts in the country. From the Munnabhai series to 3 Idiots, he has had us rolling on the floor with laughter!
6. Homi Adajania
His directorial debut, Being Cyrus, received a lot of critical acclaim. The second film, Cocktail, was a complete commercial success.The young and stylish director, Homi Adajania, makes the Parsis proud as one of the newest entrants into the Bollywood brigade! We’re all looking forward to his soon to be released Finding Fanny!
7. Anaita Shroff Adajania
So while her husband calls the shots as a director, the wife decides what the stars wear in those shots! India’s finest fashion stylist, costume designer and Fashion Director for Vogue India, Anaita Shroff Adajania pretty much sets the trends in this country! Together, Homi and Anaita are definitely one of the best looking couples.
8. Cyrus Broacha
From being a VJ, theater actor, prankster, film actor and author, it is clear that Cyrus is multi faceted – but one thing that runs common through all of this is that he never fails to make us laugh! This funny man is a Parsi too!
9. Zubin Mehta
Another Parsi who has made his mark internationally, Zubin Mehta, is one of the finest conductors of western classical music. He is also the Music Director for Life of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Main Conductor for Valencia’s Opera House.
10. Mehr Jesia Rampal
This former Miss India and model makes one half of India’s best looking couple (the other half – Arjun Rampal!). Mehr sets the standards for a good looking race of Parsis.
So here are ten names of popular Parsis. Tell us your favorite Parsi in the comment box below!