Thespian Yazdi Karanjia reminisces on a long career on the stage topped by a Padma Shri award
Farrokh Jijina
"Who is on the line?" a stern voice asked when Surat-based dramatist Yazdi Karanjia answered his phone at 1:30 p.m. on January 25, 2020. When the director-actor gave his name, the next question was about his profession. "I am a teacher, sir," replied Karanjia. "What is your hobby?" continued the caller. "That would be the stage," replied the 83-year-old. "We have news for you, Yazdi Karanjia," said the caller and went on to tell him that he was to be the recipient of the union government’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, for art, and that the news would......