Famous families

Sons who have famous fathers (likewise for daughters and mothers too), and fathers who have famous sons share a similar predicament. A son’s claim to fame rests on his famous father, and a father is sometimes remembered only because he has sired a renowned son. But there is no such conflict in Meher Bhesania’s latest offering, Fathers and Sons, Mothers and Daughters since all the parents and children featured in her book are almost as successful as each other. The book celebrates the love between children and their parents and talks of the special relationship they share with each other.
The author tells us that the idea came from "community members who believed that heart-warming stories relating to the charisma, exceptional career graphs, talents and achievements of prominent parents and their children deserve acknowledgement by the Zoroastrian community.”
This well produced coffee table book showcases achievers from around the world and in diverse fields such as business, architecture, science, engineering, law, art, films and community service. These include businessman Byram Avari and his sons Xerxes and Dinshaw, Ratan Tata and the late Naval Tata, Lord Karan Bilimoria and Lt Gen Faridoon Bilimoria, Kitty Irani and Zerbanoo Gifford, Anu Aga and Meher Pudumjee and many others who are no less eminent even if they are not always in the public eye.

Meher Bhesania: showcasing achievers

Among doctors and their children who have opted for the same profession, the book covers Dr Rustom Soonawala and his sons Feroze and Behram, Dr Keki Turel and his sons Mazda and Burgese, and Dr Farokh Udwadia and his son Zarir, Dr Dhun Noria and her daughter Sabrena, to name a few. Feroze Soonawala says that the sons learnt the basic tenet of pursuing perfection and excellence from their father when they were very young. Behram, his brother, echoes that view. "No one will ever say that Rustom Soonawala did not leave indelible footprints in the sands of time. His are large shoes to fill.”
Among lawyers there is Homa Petit and his father the late Dinshaw Hormusji Petit. Strangely, India’s most famous lawyer and his son a Supreme Court judge — I refer to the father-son duo of Fali and Rohinton Nariman — do not find mention in the book. This glaring omission is inexplicable. There are Thrity and Tina Poonawalla from Poona of Dorabjees’ departmental store fame and confectioners Kamal and Kainaz Messman of Theobroma Patisserie.
There is mutual admiration between the parents and their offspring. Anu Aga talking of her daughter Meher says: "The most memorable moment in my life has been the birth of my daughter Meher. From the day she was born she has been the sunshine of my life.” In turn Meher says, "She is my true friend, mentor, philosopher and guide. She has been a role model for me in every aspect – be it her wisdom, down to earth attitude, her generosity or her determination and energy levels. Each of these strengths has been a beacon for me.” Pakistan based Avari says, "If I have taught them anything it is the trinity of righteousness, truth and integrity. Without these, you are poor in spirit.” Son Dinshaw describes his father as an entrepreneur in the true sense and he says that they have followed the family motto "When you rest you rust; when you rust you die” for three generations. Actor Boman Irani has told his son Kayoze, also an actor, to laugh with people and not at people. Kayoze for his part calls his father his best friend. "Our most challenging moments are taking on each other at the play station and it is our special thing. We bond, we laugh, we argue, we don’t give or ask for any quarter.”
The book is divided into three sections with the first containing inspirational and heart-warming stories of distinguished fathers and sons and mothers and daughters. The second pays tribute to the keepers of the flame who continue to provide selfless service to the community as their forefathers did. The third section is a tribute to the legendary greats who have passed on who contributed to nation-building, leaving behind a vast legacy, both ideological and material, worthy of emulation: Pirojsha Godrej and Burjorji Godrej; Jamsetji Tata and his two sons Dorab and Ratan; and Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata and his famous son J. R. D. Tata.
The recollections are accompanied by memorable photographs which capture the essence of the close bond which the parents share with their children. Bhesania’s labor of love is a welcome addition to those who collect coffee table books.