Signal serial

The Parsi community has been a subject of curiosity and discussion and sometimes even misconception. What is their religion? Whom do they worship? Where do they come from? The teleserial Humata Hukhta Hvarshta has through its 52 episodes filled this void, acknowledged Dadi Engineer, president of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), India at a felicitation at the Dadar Athornan Boarding Madressa on January 5, 2002. Congrat­ulating the director of Frohar Films, Ervad Cyrus Dastoor and his committee, Engineer de­scribed their efforts as "a labor of love because all the members work completely gratis,” mentions a press release summarizing the proceedings.

In addition to Dastoor who was presented a plaque, WZO (India) also felicitated his team members: Silloo Mahava (production in charge and public rela­tions), Yasmin Charna (administration and projects), projects coordinator Dr Arnavaz Havewala, production executive Aban Baria, cinematographer Pervez Irani, set designer Sam Kerawala, and committee members Merzban Bhesania, Darayas Chacha and Maharukh Driver.

Giving due credit to the Cama Athornan Institute for equipping him with the requisite knowledge to undertake this project, Dastoor referred to the harrow­ing times when there was no money to pay the technical staff until an ameshaspand or angel would come forth with guidance to continue the project. The cooperation of the high priests, scholars, speakers, the Athornan Mandal and the Dadar Athornan Madressa, as also the donors was commendable, stated Dastoor. He was hopeful that through the telecast of the serial every Zar­athushti would be fortified with the necessary under­standing to impart the basic principles of the religion to others.

The audience that evening got an opportunity to view the highlights of the 52 episodes already screened as also glimpses of the forthcoming ones. While outlining the history of the serial, Mithoo Jesia referred to its conception, its first few episodes when high priests were shown giving talks on religious subjects, the subsequent ones when interviews with well-known personalities were conducted, the entertaining ones when children of the community were given an opportunity to showcase their talent and culture.

The soundtrack and music for Humata Hukhta Hvarshta was composed by Kersi Mistry. A new audiocas­sette that includes the songs, monajats and melodies used in the teleserial was released by Silloo Engineer. The 52 episodes of Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta are availa­ble on compact disc and video, announced Jesia, urging the community to buy them to educate those seeking knowl­edge.