“Lights, action, reaction”

I was happy to read the very convincing explanation from the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Dinshaw Mehta regarding the film shooting at Khareghat Colony and misuse of the area where parking was permitted at Doongerwadi ("Lights, action, reaction,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, November 21, 2011). After all, do we not see many film scenes shot near holy crosses, inside churches, at tombs and in cemeteries? In some scenes burning bodies are filmed at the cremation site.

Why does the orthodox group object to all the good things the BPP is doing to generate income, as well as its endeavor to let others know about our great colonies, baugs and culture? Due to their efforts, in the near future some people may go the extra mile and extend further help to us. Some of the oldest chawls at Tardeo regularly receive income from film shoots. The money thus earned will help in a big way to maintain our properties and undertake the repairs and restoration of dilapidated structures.

We must come out of our cocoons and shed orthodoxy. Think of the scope. How many can earn over six lakhs in a week during the present economic slowdown and turmoil? It is easier to indulge in criticism than to see the ground reality.

I urge Parsis to visit the dead end road at Doongerwadi opposite Spenta, see the beauty of two very old big, solid, red brick arches and admire such marvels, and then look at the well planned old colony below them.

CYRUS RUPA

cyrusrupa1953@gmail.com