Parsis are undoubtedly the most chilled-out and fun people around. They are mostly portrayed as Rustom and shown as the most friendly people with little different appearance. Talk to them, spend time and they will make your day better off. Today, Parsis are found everywhere – From steel and textile industry to Bollywood. So, we’ve rounded up 15 popular Parsis in Bollywood.
One of the oldest Parsi stars, Daisy Irani was a popular Bollywood child artist in the 50s and 60s. She generally played the role of a little boy with curly hair, along with her younger sister Honey Irani. Some of her most remembered movies, include Jagte Raho, Naya Daur, Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke and Musafir.
You may not know his name, but a popular television and film actor, Dinyar Contractor is best known for his role as college principal in Khiladi, as Judge in Khichdi: The Movie and as Lobo in 36 China Town.
Born in Parsi family, Perizaad Zorabian made her Bollywood debut with Nagesh Kukunoor’s Bollywood Calling, while she gained recognition with Subhash Ghai’s Joggers’ Park.
One of the finest actors in Bollywood, Late Farooq Sheikh was half-Parsi, born to Muslim father Mustafa Shaikh and Parsi Mother Farida. He is popularly known for his roles in Noorie, Chashme Buddoor, Umrao Jaan, Kissi Se Na Kehna, Biwi Ho To Aisi and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
Born into a Parsi family, Boman is a professional photographer and actor. He started with advertisements for Fanta and Krackjack biscuits and later featured in movies like Munnabhai M.B.B.S., Main Hoon Na, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dostana, 3 Idiots and many more.
Born to a Parsi Family, Nauheed Cyrusi has done music videos like Piya Basanti. She has also been seen in a number of advertisements on television and print media. She made her Bollywood debut in Padam Kumar’s Supari.
Photo: IANS
Founder and CEO of UTV Group, Ronnie Screwvala has produced various hits. His filmography includes Rand De Basanti, Life In A… Metro, Chup Chup Ke, Jodhaa Akbar and many more.
Born as Farhan Abraham to a Malayali Nasrani father and a Parsi mother, John Abraham is a popular model, actor, and now a producer. He made his film debut with Jism, followed by Dhoom and Water, to name a few. John has also produced critically acclaimed flicks like Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe.
Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar has been titled of being “the guru” of modern and contemporary dance. He is known for his popular dance sequences in movies like Taal, Kisna, Bunty Aur Babli and Mission Impossible 4.
The multifaceted Farhan Akhtar is the son of Javed Akhtar and a Parsi mother, Honey Irani. Akhtar is a director, screenwriter, producer, actor, playback singer, lyricist and television host. He started his career as a director and made movies like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don and more. Later, he put his hands in acting and acted for Rock On!!, Luck By Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Dhadakne Do.
Three-films old, Amyra Dastur was born to Parsi parents. This three-film old actress made her debut opposite Prateik Babbar in Issaq.
This sister-brother duo are half-Parsi born to Kamran Khan and Menaka Irani (sister of Daisy Irani). Choreographer, director, actor and now television host and reality show judge, Farah Khan has directed various hits, choreographed more than 100 songs and acted in Shirin Farhad Ki Nikal Padi and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. While Sajid Khan started his career with acting in Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate. he has directed movies like Heyy Baby, Humshakals and Housefull series, to name a few.
Vistas Ardeshir Balsara, popularly known as V Balsara, was one of the finest Bengali musicians. He was known for his ability to play a number of instruments including piano, univox and melodica. Though a Parsi, he always used to say, ‘I am 1st a Bengali.’
Jehangir Dinshaw Irani was popularly called as J.D. Irani Jehangir to the Bengali film industry. He was one of the best known audiographers, known for his extraordinary sound writing skills.
