Died: Silloo Parvez Mahava, 72, thespian and social worker who was former president of The Young Rathestars, on July 11, 2010 in Bombay following cancer.
"We remember Silloo Aunty as the architect and guiding spirit of Frohar Foundation. Her integrity was impeccable, courage of conviction unmatched and dedication to the poor and needy… total,” noted a condolence message by the founder of Frohar Foundation, Ervad Cyrus Dastoor. As he conveyed to Parsiana, "It was so easy to work with her. She was like a family member.” He referred to the Ahmedabad based Channel Gurjari’s director suggesting that Dastoor initiate a serial on the community. Enthused with the idea, Dastoor immediately submitted his proposal but was surprised when the Channel refused to extend any financial assistance. Though Dastoor was not keen to pursue the plan, it was Mahava who convinced him, "Don’t refuse the proposal. We will raise funds.” Fortunately she was able to garner the support of one magnanimous donor who financed the initial episodes of Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta produced under the banner of Frohar Films that eventually telecast 125 episodes. Subsequently Frohar Films was extended to Frohar Foundation and its sphere of activities extended.
Silloo Mahava: brought joy to others
In acknowledgement of her contribution to the stage, the artistes, technicians and workers of Universal Theatres as also the trustees, committee members and staff of Frohar Foundation dedicated all their August shows "in pious memory of our dear Silloo Aunty… a gifted stage, cine and television artiste.”
On the stage too Dastoor had many occasions to work with the congenial thespian starting with Aay Karastan Konnu? which Universal Theatres had produced in 1988. "As an actress she grew with every role in every performance. The moment she entered the stage she would get a thunderous applause,” Dastoor recalled her yaadgaar (memorable) roles in other plays like Have Mane Joi Lev, Chalo Jher Paiye, Aav Bala Pakad Gala, Bairi Mari Mohabbat Tari, Bye Bye Dear Line Clear…
Marzban Bhesania who had acted with her in about 20 plays and 60 shows cannot forget her gracious mannerisms. "She was so kindhearted,” she would insist on apologizing to him backstage after every show of Bye Bye Dear Line Clear because the script required her to curse him and swear at him. "A sincere and dedicated worker and actor… she would never say ill of anybody,” he adds.
She is known to have acted in more than 25 stage plays, eight television plays, nearly 25 commercial advertisements like Close-Up, Tata Sumo, Onida TV, Tata AIG, Appy, notes a write-up by Dr Arnavaz Havewala. Some of the Hindi films where Mahava had been cast were Black, Kalyug, Dhoka, Mr Ya Mrs, No Smoking, Percy. An English movie Trying to Grow, produced by BBC had featured her as also a documentary movie The Last Dance. A radio artiste on All India Radio — Bombay, Mahava enjoyed acting in television serials too.
Mahava was introduced to the stage by the late Eruch Pavri, mentioned Roshan Tirandaz who also considered Pavri her mentor. Having done many one act plays with her for Doordarshan Metro under the direction of her husband Dinyar Tirandaz, Roshan remarked that the amicable Mahava had "a very good sense of humor.” Until last year she had worked with them when they produced their annual variety entertainment program for the senior citizens. Even after she moved out of the Dadar Parsi Colony those who sought her were always advised "the best time to meet her would be at the Rustom Framna Agiary in the afternoon.”
She supported The Young Rathestars with their New Year grain distribution activity, organization of gahanbars, jashans, blood collection drives, educational aid and social gatherings. As recollects Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Arnavaz Mistry, "Even when confined to the bed, she would urge her colleagues to continue the work of Young Rathestars.” Mistry who felt privileged to share a room with her "senior” during their travels to the interior villages of Gujarat remarked that she was "very cooperative and very jolly natured.” Even this year she insisted on traveling up to Ankleshwar although she was not medically fit to commute beyond that to the interior villages.
Barely three months before her demise the friendly and outgoing Mahava was felicitated by the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) — India at a gahanbar at Bombay’s Cama Baug. "Always very loving and caring and sensitive to the old people,” noticed Soonoo Andhyarujina of WZO who had worked alongside her during their trips to the widows’ chawls and when distributing alms to the poor. "Jeev jaan muki né kaam karé (selflessly working)” to help different activities and organizations including the exhibition "Parsika — The Zoroastrian Story,” Parsi Resource Group, Red Cross and her annual program for the inmates of the J. J. Hospital’s Parsi Ward.
The cause of social and charitable activities being uppermost with Mahava she was keen that her work for the destitute gain precedence over her failing health. As mentions her daughter-in-law Pervina Mahava, she chose to discontinue her chemotherapy at Poona and insisted on returning to Bombay to pursue her welfare work.
The convivial comedienne is survived by her son Farrokh.