Mehta masala

When media expert Roda Mehta and former airline executive Ketayun Engineer, landed at Tel Aviv airport in 1990 with foodstuff requested for by their sewing teacher, Flo Hyam, the customs official allowed everything to pass but objected to the dried whole chillies stating that anything with seeds was not allowed. The two questioned this and were told that anything with seeds could be sown in Israel and that would not do.

Zubin Mehta: adding spice

They pleaded and argued that the chillies were used in cooking and not meant for sowing, and had been specifically asked for by their dear teacher from India, now settled in Israel. This received no favor, so they asked to speak to the man’s senior. He appeared and heard the ladies case, reiterated ‘no’ for an answer and then dwelled on the surname ‘Mehta.’

The two women quickly capitalized on the Israeli fondness for maestro Zubin Mehta and said he was a cousin. And added that Zubin always carried fresh green chillies wherever he travelled including Israel. How come he was allowed to get them in and not them? The customs official while extolling the virtues of the reputed orchestral conductor politely turned down the ladies’ appeals citing the prevailing restriction. And in departing instructed his junior ‘Next time Mehta comes, confiscate his chillies!”