Adi Pherozeshah Marzban

Adi Pherozeshah Marzban (1914–1987) was an Indian Gujarati Parsi playwright, actor, director, broadcaster known for his efforts in modernizing Parsi theatre. He was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India in 1964 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1970.

Early life Adil Marzban was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) on 17 April 1914 to Pherozeshah Jehangir Marzban, a dramatist who wrote under the nom de plume, Pijam and the author of plays such as Mazandaran, Maasi no Maako and Makhai Mohoro. Born in the lineage of Fardunjee Marzban, the founder of Jam-e-Jamshed and Mumbai Samachar, both Gujarati newspapers, he did his schooling at Bharda New High School and graduated from Elphinstone College in 1933. a landmark event in Parsi theatre and his first collaboration with Pesi Khandavala. The play, a commercial success, shifted the focus of Parsi theatre from historical dramas to farces and comedies and featured such renowned technicians as Burjor Mistry, Anand Pai and Shahdeo. ) with C. C. Mehta on the All India Radio became popular with listeners for which he had written around 5000 scripts.

His most successful productions were Katariyun Gap (The Head Is Lost), Ardhi Rate Ahat (Knock at Midnight), Kaka Thaya Vanka (Uncle Behaves Funny), Behram ni Sasu (Behram's Mother-in-law), Mota Dil na Bava (Large-hearted Elder), and English plays like Brandon Thomas's Charley's Aunt and J. B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls. Ah! Norman (adapted from Norman, Is That You? by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick, 1972) was a massive hit among the audience. He also wrote script of Carnival Queen (1955), an action film starring Fearless Nadia. and he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1970.

Major productions The first notable play from Marzban was a thriller by name, Ardhi Raate Aafat. This was followed by a spate of productions, serious plays, comedies, and farces.

Piroja Bhavan Sacred Flame Time and the Conways Hawk Island The Curious Savage The Little Hut Fasela Ferozeshah Hasta Gher Vasta Sagan ke Vagan Mancherji Konna Asha Nirasha. Jeevan Khel Paani ma Parela Pervezji Ari Bethela Erachshah Dinshahji na Dabba Gul Ban Parela Bomanji Katariyun gap (The Head Is Lost) Ardhi rate ahat (Knock at Midnight) Kaka thaya vanka (Uncle Behaves Funny) Behramni sasu (Behram's Mother- in-law) Mota dilna bava (Large-hearted Elder) Shapurji Na Tapela Saaf Charleys Aunt Inspector Calls

Silla, his wife, has set up an endowment in Marzban's honour under the name, Adi Marzban Endowment Fund, under the aegis of the National Centre for the Performing Arts.