Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi: How 'Parsi' are Bollywood's Parsis?

New Delhi: The Parsi community has the maximum number of obesity affected women. Well, Bollywood wants us to believe so. How many Parsi women have you seen on screen who are not fat. From ‘Khatta Meetha’ to ‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’, Parsi women are wearing the same black polka dot dress and eating the same ‘sali boti’. Who makes ‘sali boti’ is a different question as elderly women keep complaining that young Parsi girls have no interest in household chores, and a servant is difficult to spot in these films.

Apparently, Parsi women are very open minded as per the normal Indian standard, but they love to stick with ancient TVs and cars. Almost all the directors have taken pleasure in showcasing the plaster coming out of the wall in Parsi houses; gloomy environment is also an integral part.

The casting director of ‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ did a smart thing by employing actors belonging to Parsi community in all major roles, Farah Khan is half Parsi. It enhanced the authenticity level of the film as they got the accent right but still everything remained in the set frame. None of the actors tried anything which can throw new light on the problems of this ‘on the verge of extinction’ community.

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  Basu Chatterjee's 'Khatta Meetha' (1978) revolved around a Parsi widower who seeks emotional support. The film is still remembered for its melodious music.

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  Vijay Mehta's 'Pestonjee' (1988) was about two friends who fall in love with the same girl. It depicts the complications of love and friendship.

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  Written and directed by Sooni Taraporevala, 'Little Zizou' (2009) featured two Parsi families that learn to adjust with each other.

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  Homi Adajania's 'Being Cyrus' (2005) changed the way Bollywood looked at Parsis. This psychological drama unveiled the dark sides of a dysfunctional Parsi family.

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  Deepa Mehta's '1947: Earth' (1998) had a Parsi family at the helm of affairs. Lenny (Maia Sethna, Shabana Azmi), a Polio-afflicted girl, narrates the story.

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  Rahul Dholakia's 'Parzania' (2007) was based on the real life story of a boy named Azhar Mody.

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  Roshan Seth played a character Gustad Noble, who is trapped in his past, in Sturla Gunnarsson's 'Such A Long Journey' (1998).

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  Rajesh Mapuskar's 'Ferrari Ki Sawaari' (2012) showcased the absurdities of a normal life.

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  Ajay Phansekar's 'Encounter: The Killing' (2002) was the story of a police inspector Sam Bharucha who finds that his son has a leaning towards criminal activities.

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  Directed by Bela Sehgal, 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi' (2012) is the latest film on the Parsis. It has Boman Irani and Farah Khan in the lead roles.

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The Parsi community has the maximum number of obesity affected women. Well, Bollywood wants us to believe so.

‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’ was a better portrayal of Parsis because it showcased the ‘island’ structure of the community, unlike ‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ which is reluctant in showing anything typically Parsi. A little addition of rituals, beliefs and customs could have helped in making it a relevant film.

‘Pestonjee’ and ‘Being Cyrus’ were distinct in their treatment. Both had immoral and dark characters, which are just an obligation of being human. On the contrary, ‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ features perfect people with small shortcomings.

Films affect the popular culture in India in a big way and that’s why we recognise people pronouncing ‘dikra’ or ‘maasko’ as Parsis. Being blunt rather straightforward is not a crime but ‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ is another film that establishes the stereotypes.

In a world where religious parties are forced to change their tone, isn’t this like abandoning the progressive thought process?

Also See

• Shirin Farhad: Family curious to see Farah in towel
• I thought 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi' would never get made: Farah Khan
• Tweet Review: 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi', 1st day, 1st show
• Music Review: 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi', catchy but average
• After 'Shirin Farhad', actor Boman Irani has plans to direct a film

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