If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane,
We’d walk right up to heaven, and bring YOU home again.
My father-in-law, Gopal Panjwani’s true success in life was people. He understood the joy in lifting other people, bringing a smile to them, and leaving them changed in a positive way.
One week back - on January 12, 2011, he was lifted from this world.
This tribute is a selfish one - perhaps in my naivete, I feel that sharing my pain here will be healing for my family and me...
A man of incredible perseverance, unsurpassed integrity and courage, my father-in-law was born to a family of modest means in Larkana District (Sindh Province, Pakistan) on March 7, 1941. A self-made man, he excelled in academics – post-graduating magna cum laude in Economics from University of Delhi, and moving on to a distinguished Central Civil Services career in the Ministry of Transport, spanning more than 30 years.
However, his real passion lay in theatre, and he carved an impressive niche for himself in the Sindhi theatre world.
A writer, director, producer and actor of repute, his theater group, Mehran – saw unparalleled success, with over 20 productions to its credit. His feature film – ‘Ammi Ya Mummy’ (1986), is considered a legendary masterpiece in Sindhi circles, going on to win many honors, including the reputed National Dramatics Award. In a first, this was also the only Sindhi feature film to have ever been screened by the PVR cinemas. Some other notable, immensely popular Sindhi productions that he acted in, wrote, directed and produced are Zaal Kare Thi Taal, Mavali-Mulk Ja Wali, Sindhi Minister, Khapali DilTa Achi Mil, Jetho-Metho, Karorpati Naukar, Je Maan Chhokri Huja, Raat Jo Mem Dinh Mein Saheb, Muhinji Zaal Bemisaal, Sava Sava Kare Seengar, Dohi Ker!, Ulti Ganga, Hika Mein Ba, Zaala-Moorsu, Moh-Maaya, Ker Kahinjo, Chamcho Joi Jo, and Sundari. His name was also renowned for his Hindi plays – Dial M for Murder, Ek Akela, Joru Ka Gulam, Pati-Patni, Gar Mein Ladki Hota, Sazaa, Sundari, and Minister; and two Punjabi productions – Bebe Bani Vilaiti and Raati Mem Dine Saab.
He breathed conviction and life into the roles he portrayed – his enviable array of national and regional awards bearing strong testimony to this fact. He was felicitated with the prestigious Sindhu Ratan Award (1997) – the highest honor for Sindhis worldwide, the Ram Buxani Foundation Award (1996), the Sindhi Social & Cultural Society Award (2000), the Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli and Sahitya Sabha Award, the Dada Moti Award, multiple Central Civil Services Awards, and most recently – the Jyoti Kala Mandir Award in 2010 for versatile Sindhi artiste for his memorable performances in more than 100 shows. Theatre took him to many corners of the country and even beyond, and his productions were well-loved by all.
To add to this, his magnanimity and larger than life persona touched the lives and hearts of whoever he interacted with. While he was a strong believer in diversity, he remained unswerving in his demeanor - be it talking to the humblest of them all, to chatting with the so-called high and mighty from political corridors. His mantra was simple and effective - 'Live and Let Live.' His sagacious words still ring in my ears. I guess I'll always hold them and him in my heart and look forward to seeing him when it is my time to call it quits...
An exceptional son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, Daada – as he was fondly called, was the life on every occasion, spreading cheer wherever he went. A narrator par excellence, his anecdotes and stories will be fondly remembered forever. His untimely demise has left an indelible void in our lives. Perhaps I now know the truth about saying your Hellos and Byes very carefully - you never know when it could be your last...A mentor in the true sense of the word, Daada was a legend and a visionary – he made the world a little better. His legacy will live on in the people whose lives he touched.
And it’s our loss that they don’t make them like him any more...
RIP, Daada. We miss you...
