‘Was most amazed at the warmth with which they welcomed me into their most private space’: Photographer Bindi Sheth on documenting the Parsi community

What made you document the Parsi community, and why?

In 2021, Leica needed an image of Parsis for Navroz. They wanted to put it on their social media. I did not have any, but I was eager to go out to shoot. And for that one image, I photographed three families. They liked the images and came out with a blog. This encouraged me to make this into a long-term project.

Who are the people/families you have photographed for your series? Were they willing to open their homes and lives to your lens?

The only thing the families I have photographed have in common is that they are Parsis based in Ahmedabad. They are from diverse backgrounds — socially and economically– and belong to varied professions. In addition to being willing to be photographed at home and work, they were also brimming with suggestions on who I should approach next. This led to me photographing over 65 families at home in addition to weddings, navjotes, and an engagement. Of course, like any community, there were also people who wished to guard their privacy and were absolutely not willing to be photographed.

© Bindi Sheth

In your note, you also say that the homes of Parsi families are ‘dispersed’ — what do you mean?

I say so in contrast to Mumbai, where many Parsis live in community-specific housing like Cusrow Baug, Malcolm Baug, and Dadar Parsi Colony among others. In Ahmedabad, there are just Vakil Blocks, Dungarwadi, and a cluster of few homes in Kankaria. Other than that, the community is spread across the city.

What are the minor details that set the Parsi community apart, and make them ‘intriguing and unique’?

I had the advantage of being welcomed to many Parsi homes, and I can now say with certainty, that whether modern or old, there are innumerable minor details that give away that the home is a Parsi one. They meticulously preserve their furniture, and love nature, and floral prints. In fact, there was even a “Rose House” — as I like to call it — where every possible surface had rose prints and patterns. I found them to be very warm and welcoming, especially considering I was a complete stranger taking photographs of a very personal space.

© Bindi Sheth

You mention that you grew up in Mumbai, where Parsis were a part of your formative years. For the project, however, you have photographed the community in Ahmedabad. Are there any stark differences that you noticed between their way of living in the two different cities?

Apart from the fact that the population is dispersed rather than in clusters, there is a marked difference in language. Though the community in both cities speaks Gujarati as their primary language, there was a stark difference in the pronunciations, with the influence of Ahmedabad-Gujarati being very apparent here. But when they talked amongst themselves, they sounded exactly like Bombay Parsis.

Previously, you have documented the Bene Israeli Jewish community of Ahmedabad. What is it about certain communities that inspires you to photograph them?

I have always documented people — artists in the 90s, as part of street photography; the Siddi community of Gujarat; a physiotherapy center; and differently-abled children for Prabhat Foundation among other series. I am curious about how minority communities adapt to their surroundings but at the same time continue to retain their culture. For example, Jewish brides in Ahmedabad wear the traditional white dress, but also apply mehendi and wear bangles. I find this confluence of cultures very interesting to document.

These are fast-diminishing communities, having many unique traits that they do not share with their counterparts in the rest of the world, for example, Jews in Israel or America. Hence, it is important that these communities are documented.

© Bindi Sheth

How long did it take you to complete the series, and how many pictures comprise the same?

I started the project in March 2021 and continued to photograph until January 2023. It was after I documented a wedding that I considered the project complete. However, I am hoping for a Parsi baby to be born!
I have taken hundreds of photographs, of which 81 are exhibited.

Based on your research, understanding, and observations — what would you say is the most unique/interesting/compelling thing about the Parsi community in India

The community is an illustrious one, and many Parsis are at the forefront of their careers in India. Even in Ahmedabad, they belong to diverse professions. However, they have continued to retain unique aspects of their culture and their sense of community. I was most amazed at the warmth with which they welcomed me into their most private space, the way each home was lovingly decorated with pictures of near and dear ones, and how they did not shy away from letting aspects of their character show in the décor.

The exhibition is on view until September 6 from 11:00 to 19:00 daily at Art Gallery, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre.

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