1889 to 2013 - 125 years and beyond.
CURRIMBHOYS
01/03/2013.
A trading family with it’s roots in Gujarat, its ambitions in the “here and now”. Fortunate to be born at Easdale and Sterlington with a compound full of goats, cats,
dogs , water buffalo, aya’s, drivers, mali’s … a circular drive way, garden of mango trees, nalikka, papaya … . Every day was a Mutton and Egg meal - no vegetables tough ! A bunch of Passionate Motor and Kite flying enthusiast. Drove in Vanguards & Morris Minors, raced Vespas and Lambretta’s. Lived on Khichidi & gosh Daal. Waited for CVK bread. Smoked Charms and cycled on the banks of the Coovum.
A new generation in safe hands – before Hassan, Adnaan, Aadil and Zephra threw Samaria over their left shoulder.
DISCLAIMER: This booklet is for private circulation compiled with the intention of provoking a smile on your face and remembering some of our predecessors no longer in “Flesh and Blood”. The contents may not be true and characters purely fictional. Any part of this book can be copied, published, plagiarized at the risk of your own social standing. More pictures and articles can be sent to
[email protected] about 26/01/2013 - celebrating Founder’s Day at GRT Temple Bay Beach Resort. The “complaints book” will soon be donated by Samaria on her first pay day in 2035.
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Late Mr. Currimbhoy Shivji, born 1872 died 1922. Not much seems to on record about this industrious “Shivji”, when he or his ancestor converted to Islam ,or how many of his tribe moved South to Madras to escape the famines and drought so common in Gujarat in those days. Legend goes that he was hard working and industrious - a trait that passed on to some of his descendents in the years to come… His grave stone is at Royapuram and along side that of Sulemanbhoy Nensee who also died in 1922. The graves are in the Khojo Jamaat burial ground that now functions as a small “scale Industrial Area” with machines and human beings jostling for space amongst the graves.
History at Royapuram. Fatima Shivji and family. 2
Here is what Madras looked liked in the days of our founder. Napier Bridge.
A street is . Esplanade
Royapuram Railway station.
A Tram at Poonamallee
A street in those days
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Central Station and The Buckingham Canal
Santa’s first shop in Madras – Spencer's.
“Bhai Kadai” bus stop at least since 1930
Egmore Railway Station..
4 A Jap, Abdul Rahim, Ibrahim and Yusufali.
Abdul Rahim at G. Currimbhoys & Bros. The “bean counter” of the CURRIMBHOY family who ‘s primary job was to keep the growth and consolidation plan set by his brother Gulam Hussain “in place”. It is told that in their time, they purchased over 40 properties in Madras including those in areas like Rutland Gate and (white town) Royapuram. Apparently a man of few words, ran a tight ship with the family of 5 boys and 1 girl. Must have been extremely lucky to be married to “Amma”, the lady with a presence and discipline that’s hard to describe considering the warmth, benevolence and affection that she exhibited. He passed on early and is buried at the Jamat burial ground at Royapurram .
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By Nazim
Gulam Hussain C. But for the efforts of my late, respected uncle Gulam Hussain the Currimbhoy family would not have been known here or internationally for which we should proud of. Fortunately I'm a living witness. He put his flesh and blood to elevate the name Currimbhoys, the fruits all of us enjoying today and a short life without any benefit to himself. The name of G.Currimbhoy & Bros was established by him and his 2 brothers i.e. Mr. Abdul Rahim and Mr. Hameed to establish name G.Currimbhoy & Bros to honor Mr. Gulam Hussain who crossed many hurdles to own the property which was tenanted by our competitor who competed with Abdul Rahim & Bros one wall away. To avoid completion G.C.B. was established so that customers should not feel its the same shop to hoodwink. This was a magician's trick to drive away competitor. Volumes could be said about his greatness and we are proud off a personality that we are enjoying Currimbhoys family name. Because of his astute thoughts we own numerous properties. Nazim .
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By Karim
Amma. AMMA...... Jenna Bai – I learned so much from her...she was an “amir” in the true sense of the word.... We grand children are very very proud to be associated with this legend. We had the good fortune of spending so much time with her. I am told she was 90 years plus when she passed on and there was not a day she was dependent; not a day i remember her sick or under the weather... SHE WAS A QUEEN She was so proud of her family she worked tirelessly enjoying every bit of her existence. Never heard her complain. Be it sleeping under a fan that was so noisy it woke up the whole of Easdale all 6000 sq.ft. of it ground and first floor....when it was switched off or cooking for the whole family all 14 of us, 6 kids and 8 adults...all in a wood fired kitchen with gosht ki daal on Fridays, even crabs ( which would sometimes run all over the place and we had to catch them) ; on Sundays and on week days just “mitha saaalan” or “khatta saalan”. In the midst of all this she maintained a very disciplined diet and she ate this every day, the same menu for breakfast, late morning barley water, lunch, evening large cup of tea and dinner. She never in her 90 years plus of existence ever ate out. The only luxury she allowed herself was a LIMLATE ( a very cold Spencer's lemonade bottled drink on a late night drive) that also she stopped having when the bottler changed the shape of the bottle...she claimed the taste was not the same. 7
She was the cutest, most adventurous and fun loving grand mother I ever knew. The whole Nungambakkam market would come alive when amma was there shopping. Every vendor would call out to her and she would be teasing all of them but would give all small and big vendors some business before she left. She would take us in the dead of night to steal canna plants from the marina beach She would store cigarettes for her grown up sons and give them one each after dinner with a personally made pan folded in a very unique way. She use to get physical and fight like a kid when we use to steal fom her treasury THE KALA KABAAT... Where all the cigarettes, pan, sweets, sometimes chocolates would be stored. She had nick names for all my friends who visited and would promptly give me messages saying Tera friend “Bastard” aya tha ( his name was Mr. Basker), tera friend “acid” aya tha ( his name was Asif), tera friend muzzavar aya tha ( his name was muzaffar). The only name she would pronounce correctly was Sayeed because he addressed her correctly as masi and had the sense to greet her and have a chat with her before he asked for me. She had the ability to make herself understood to pigeons, cats (tiger)dogs (whiskey, giddu and podgy), goats and chickens which she had as pets. She had a green thumb. We had a large garden. She would steal all the cutlery and pack the food served to her when on a flight. The last time I flew with her to Pune she scolded loudly the air hostess when she went to the wash room......she came out of the toilet without finishing her job and shouted " I have paid Rs.1,200/- for this ticket and there is no lotta in the toilet ?", you can imagine my state sitting there in a packed aircraft - in Bombay when we were waiting for our connecting flight to Pune she managed to find a half full packet of 555 cigarettes lying next to her for me......simply unbelievable energy and mind..always ticking Her famous words were “suvvar, haraamzada kidar gaya thu ?” When Naimet came to Madras newly married she and amma got along immediately because amma used the word “chutiya” London in front of her and Naimet could not stop laughing when she did fall ill and i took her to the hospital she asked me for water and her supari and requested me to take her home after a couple of days. She said she wanted to go home to die.............. My dearest Amma.... I try to emulate and instill in my kids your sense of self respect, pride, originality, sense of duty and family....rest in peace. AND yes I still call my friend Basker...... “Bastard” . Karim.
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Note By Navaz.
She had a name for most friends of ours that came home , ACID (Asif) , BASTARD (Bhasker) , LIMCA Aunty (Nirmila Aunty) and mine was “Bloola Raja” – I lucked out. In comparison. Together, she addressed Karim and I as “Ek Gadi Ki Dwo Bile” (one cart and two buffaloes). She was of course right – I depended a lot on Karim for things like bunking school ( he would break his reading glasses at the and bus stop and we would go back home … no school) . School life in the early 70’s was rude at times. The journey to St. Mary’s School entailed a 2 kilometer walk to the bus stand , often a long & undependable wait for the bus packed with sweaty bodies, smelling arm pits and oily hair and a 45 minute bus ride in an often crowed bus No: 9 or 10 right across town opposite the High Court. One can imagine how often we were late to school and got caned by Brother Zacriah. Innovative methods of bunking school were a necessity. One “problem” to contend with on our return home after bunking school was our strict aunt Mumtaz (bless her soul). Amma’s house was like a ashram of sorts – her sons, daughter’s in law, grand children , her nephews, goats dogs, cats, chicken, parrots, fish …. She seemed to managed this mostly alone . In a family that large, every meal seemed like an A-La-Carte, some folk who needed special attention and had difficult eating habits . The only one thing that every one of her brood had in common was the need for Gosh and or Anda (mutton) which seemed present at every meal . She even made fresh chapati’s using kerosene stove every evening, read he “dhua Ki Chopdi” , caught an afternoon nap, supervised he milk man …. And would walk around the house collecting the waste metal bits that we would thro out of the window (including that old blades, too paste tubes,) and sell them to the scrap dealer. She would sell all the waste, the (goat) kids, chicken etc. and duty fully share the proceeds amongst the grand kids – my share often Rs, 40/- a princely sum in 1970’s when the house expense for the whole family per day was Rs. 50/- , and a cigarette cost less Rs. 0/50 for a “king size” with a filter. I believe Shaheen’s was the highest – Shaheen being the only grand daughter in India. In the years that followed since her demise, I found that the interest she kindled in me to collect pre independence Old Indian coins and notes, some skills in making chapati’s, love for dogs, need for open spaces (I remember telling Sabita that I want my offspring to grow in an environment like Esdale (and moving 30 km. south of the city) came for the fantastic experience that this grand old lady made possible. Bare feet and happy with Amma.
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Way before Sabita and I married, I took Sabita to Karim’s house for a meal and saw Amma looking quite agitated ( she did not subscribe to girl friends – certainly not one that was not a part of the “Qhuomb”, and her predictable response was “Eh – Nako Ba” (you – don’t) . However, after the meal … and possibly the realization that I was serious about Sabita, she changed her stand to “at least she is a Katabi (Christian)”. Amma’s pragmatism was quite interesting ! In the early years of my job at CURRIMBHOYS, I bought an old second hand Mahinda Jeep for all of Rs. 22,500/- (it made a lot more noise than speed) . My chest was puffed with pride, head was held high, smiling from ear to ear I came home to Velachaery road (she was staying with us) and told her we were “going for a drive” in my new Jeep. When we returned, she got off the car, held her hands to her ears and shook her head in disapproval. Then she said “how much noise this thing makes, better sell it or else several “generations to come will be born deaf” . That was Amma and “being up front “ ! Amma’s commitment to the family was “complete” . In the early 1990’s Ishtiaq went to horne his skills as “Chef” and got a job at J.J’s restaurant in Kodaikanal. Amma in her usual tone asked “Kha Gaya Woh?” and she was told that Ishtiaq was cooking at a restaurant in Kodai. “Absolutely not” was her immediate response. “No grandson of mine will be a babarchi” … After that, every time she spoke to some one of her friends (or Karim would rag her about Ishtiaq’s calling in life and the new job) , she would say that Ishtiaq is doing an “accounts” job at a restaurant in Kodai ?! Looking back, what was it in Amma’s character and personality that made her “unreal” to some to us ? Consider that she was unlettered (couldn't sign her name in English) , probably not from a very rich back ground (she never volunteered any info about her ancestor (other than She was from “Kahtiwadi” NOT “Chorwad” in Gujrath – some such complication), frail and thin (there were people with a lot more weight – didn't match her ability though !) … Maybe it’s the fact that she lived her life on the basic principles like (1) don’t show respect, HAVE respect (never a hypocrite, I think she was more respectful and enjoyed the company of some vendors at the Nungumbakkam market than some people who came home) , (2) DO things (including going to Kothwal market in the mango season to buy fruits in baskets for the family, make chapatis and “anda” for hoards of people at Esdale) , (3) don’t hesitate to get your hand dirty in the digging the mud or planting trees and gardening, ….. Connecting the dots – she practiced the mantra of “Soil, Self and Society” ; soil – she was obsessed with the garden and what it supported (including the dogs, cats, hens …) , self – her sense of discipline was note worthy and Karim has dealt with this, and Society – her family, vendors every thing was sincere. I’m not sure if these qualities reflect a generation “gone by” Or just “greatness in a person” ? I think it the “greatness” factor that she demonstrated as “do-able”. This is what I would like to remember her for … her life in action showed the way. Lucky me to be in her company - in the photo on the previous page, I am bare feet but my hands are tugging on Amma’s “Far Ack” (Frock). I relish the time I spent in her company - even the most boring activity of just sitting in one place when she was reading her prayer books in Guajarati under her breath ! P.S: The only time she asked me for help was to dial the number “88482” (about 30 years ago) – this was Mami Dadima’s number. At Esdale, she was used to a phone with a dial “82512” and when she came to live with us, the push button phone foxed her. 10
Gulshan and Ibrahim. Ibrahim (Bapuji to some) was the eldest of the clan in his generation and seemed to operate with a lot of responsibility. One remembers him in deep communion with the books on religion. Ran the shop “Abdul Rahim & Brothers” - first with Akbar and subsequently with the rest of his sons and daughter. This experience launched several on the family to lucrative options in India and overseas with 3 of the boys choosing to spread their wings in Manila and the Gulf. The business to repair, recondition and sell air conditioners and refrigerators was born here and expanded to a formidable business. The shops interest in foot ware also launched a son in the foot ware export business. He lived to a ripe old age and was quite fit to the end. Gulshan is a gentle lady with a happy disposition and a ready smile. Her daughter seems to have acquired that trait from her.
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Gulshan and Yusufali My uncle Yusuf: Kind, generous, intellectually honest, benevolent, funny, “strict” (at times), very accessible (no conversation was deemed as “not allowed” ), argumentative ( even with a 12 year old – he truly offered space for discussion and decent – a trait not common in that generation ?!) “Yes,” inspirational “may be an appropriate word to describe this hard working gentle soul. One wonders if he was “ahead of his time”? No project was too big for him to muzzle, no place too far too travel , no inconvenience to difficult to bear (we spent a whole night on the station in New Delhi). A man with faith in his fellow men, put his relationship on the line time and again to be supportive of people he knew. Me and many who share my surname were a beneficiary of this trait ! His passion for dogs, mutton chops from Ahmediya, or fish curry and rice from Nainans, furniture from the Murrays Auction was legendary and funny. His obsession for old cars was historic (including the herald in which Karim was driving the Maulvi past midnight has a tire burst and Karim almost lost control of the car since the Moulvi (a god fearing man SCREAMED “Ya Allah “ at a high pitch in what he thought was his preparation to meet HIS creator that night ! ) Picnics to Elliots Beach every weekend (is this what sparked for CURRIMBHOYS and the ocean? ), his obsession to do “the right thing”, his dedication to his mother and sister …. We miss you dear friend ! Gulshan aunty, wonder if she ever lost her temper in the last 45 years that I have known her ! Supportive, caring and gentle has been the hall mark of her existence. Hope she lives t o a ripe old age and knock the 100+ barrier with good health and a house full of loving relatives. Navaz.
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Bilkiz and Nazimali “Bilkiz Bai” as her father affectionately called her was a true convert … a girl from Bombay who married a “madrasi” and came to love the city so much that she detested Bombay subsequently. Bilkiz Bai’s love for the beach and the hills may have been the trigger for her brood anxiously making trips and investments in Kodaikanal and the Mahablipuram road. A good and caring mother, a mother who never hesitated to let us dream and meet our ambitions. One wonders if we could have been as happy as we are without the support and care that she heaped on us. She encouraged us to cook, clean and take care of ourselves. Her humor and ability to laugh at herself was quite note worthy. -When she made iddlies for breakfast and the batch misfired, we would tease her that she should “sell her iddley technology “ to MRF or Firestone Tire company so that they could make tougher tires … -- Before we sank our roots on the ECR, she would take us “land hunting”, some of these places were so far flung (in those days) that we would tease her asking if were still in Tamil Nadu ? -- Deliberately, and just to irritate her, we would wear torn (sleeve less) shirts when her kitty party friends came home … one such friend actually asked me when I opened the door “amma hai” ? She was the window to her husband’s world … other than work; every thing that he did, every friend that he had, every project that he undertook – it was her initiative and drive. Bilkiz Bai passed on in 2006, 2 years after the Tsunami and just …
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Engagement photograph.
Bilkiz Bai standing over Navaz’s Jawa Motor Bike at the Guindy house. Karim’s YEZDI bike is in the back ground.
Zephra says her Dada looks like John Tavolta in this picture.
before the Pondy shop (she dreamed off) opened its doors to customers. Bilkiz Bai’s response to me wanting to get married (to what most people in the community called “an outsider”) was typical of her nature. Initially, she tried to make me see the community’s point of view. I remember telling her “I don’t want to marry a Muslim” ! She went ballistic (in her words she said “this is too much Navaz”). My argument that communal riots and incidents (like the The Barbri Masjid) will be fewer and further apart if the communities got mixed saw her “seeing my point”. She agreed to be present at the wedding . She encouraged us to cook, make mistakes BUT ensure that we don’t throw away the mistakes (usually burnt food). This way, one learnt not only the value of self help but two important lessons in one go (make your mistakes – clean up your own mess !). Learning to write Tamil in school and I were like oil and water – I couldn't get it. I failed at St. Mary’s and my mother had promised to buy me a new cycle if I passed. the re-test, and guess what happened ? Right – I flunked. I remember my mother driving me home after the test and I asked her “if I will still get my cycle if I did not make the test?”. I did not realize it then, but she had anyway decided to buy me a cycle and she did. It was a model called “The Admiral”, fully Red and for Rs. 257/50p. I am not sure how many hours I spent cycling and how many hours I spent oiling (and wrecking ) the bike in an attempt to maintain it. According to my mother, I was keeping Mohan rich – Mohan (the first one to coin the term “Stone or Coconut Head” if you harassed him with unintelligent questions) being the cycle mechanic opposite the Loyola College gate. We were staying behind Kutty’s in those days and the path through Krishnaswamy school lead to the banks of the Coovum. In the rainy days, we used to cycle near the piggery and paddy fields at Loyola college.
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At Kodai with Siraj and Kaneez
Nazim, Bilkiz & Anver with Hudson car.
The Morris Minor Family car.
The Nazim family.
At Panchagany.
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The story of this family amongst the brothers is one of bravery, fortitude and determination. Akber Uncle apparently left the shores of his home with a “hope and a dream”, with the determination to make it in the new land of America …. And so he did ! The family moved to the US at a time when Farhana was still in frocks with a sweet smile and curly hair (with an average skill of less than 50%) to balance on her own two feet . Akber uncle may have been one of the original “kite flying enthusiast” . I remember him “putting deal” with his Ray Ban Aviator sun glasses on his face and shouting choice bad words in “Classical Tamil” and “Spoken Sanskrit” (these dialects are now extinct/ banned) when the “bum in the slum next door “ got the better of the deal. Raisa aunty, a Bombay person made an ideal companion, mother (to the kids and
At the Sterling Club.
friend to Akber uncle. The last time we were with them, they took us to The Nappa Valley “ on a pilgrimage of Wine Tasting and great food”. Akber uncle is an avid cycling enthusiast and does better to “pedal to work:”. He apparently cycles over than 300 Km. a week. Farhana and John have two kids. Farhana’s find in John is good for the entire CURRIMBHOY family – he was easy to induct as a “fellow member” and took to India and dark liquids in familiar shaped like a fish takes to water.
Celebrating the 125th. Year in the US on 26/01/2013.
Raisa, Farhana, Fatima and Akber Uncle.
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Mumtaz, Shaheen, Irfan and Abdulla
Late aunty Mumtaz was a stickler for perfection, be it in making chapatti’s or teaching the young kids at Esdale the catholic version of “Moral Science” that St. Mary’s School fsent home. A true disciplinarian, who’s value is recognized several years after Abu, Shaheen and Irfan moved from Madras to their new home in Poona. Abu uncle’s scooter mechanic shop on G.P road was like a Club where all his “friends” came to Maintain their bikes. I was lucky – I had a 6 month work experience in 1980 there between school and college and learned something about machines and life. life I remember Abu Uncle telling me, if you want to judge a good mechanic, the first thing you look to see if “his clothes are with oil and grease”. Abu uncles hand were always with oil and grease but his clothes were not ! Another time, after a meal of Fried Fish and Chips at Buharis’,I paid Rs. 10/- since Abu Uncle was short on change. The next day, he gave me back the money And I said “no problem, I don’t need it” to which he said, “when you borrow money from someone, the lender never forgets – here, keep it” ! Abu uncles garage had an un limed supply of “Khara Biscuit” from the Irani’s Restaurant and Tea from Sarmani Hotel. Both worth dying for, ever so when coated with grease from my hands. At the petrol pump next to Baba Arts Compound, (well past mid night when we used to go for Muhram prayers 30 years ago), a fight broke out for the use of the air pump and I remember Abu uncle run and jump on the other guys back and pasting him. Even now, 30 years later, Abu uncle hasn’t changed much , still looks good, still with an infinitely short temper still ready to laugh at short notice. Apparently, Shaheen and Irfan have three and two kids respectively and are settled in Poona and overseas respectively. Abu uncle makes flying visits to Madras to meet with the family – his presence and humor is always welcome. 17
Yasmin, Lilian and Roshan. It was a day at Good Sheppard school, class 2 when I was taken home since some one had passed away. Roshan uncle passed on early in life leaving a legend and stories that still (40 years later) surface from time to time. Friends and admirers of his in the Round Table still show up from time to time and talk about the work he did for the Cheshire home, the Aavai Home School, the family and his friends. I remember his Heral Car (one of them was a convertible) and trips with him to the beach including the one at Pondicherry. I believe he had a flair for fun and a life of action. Lilian aunty passed away several years ago leaving Yasmin as their only survivor. Yasmin apparently lives overseas . We have some common friends and hope to connect with her soon. Navaz
Left to Right- Mumtaz, Abu, Bilkiz, Yasmin. Roshan (holding fish) and Lilian (under the fin)
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By Navaz
Rafia, Anver, Sabrin, Samyune and Asrar. Chotoo Uncle as we all knew him was a gem of a human being. I remember the time when Zarina aunty passed away, the way he made is wallet and car available … his generosity was his hall mark. As a youngster, I connected with him since I considered joining the Merchant Navy. Apparently, he was a mariner and he was quite relieved that at least 1 person will follow in his foot steps…. That “fortunately” was not to be. I remember stories of his “bravery” except when it came to confronting a cockroach. Rafai aunty was blessed with that job of confronting them Apparently, Chotoo uncles’ night mare was when Rafia anty was learing to drive. One day, on college road she knocked a Cop and while he was lying on the road … aunty Rafia was shouting at the cop “why were you standing in the middle of the road”? Chotoo uncle passed away in 1986, even today, we see people at CURRIMBHOYS asking about him and reminiscing their experiences and good memories of him. Sabrin is happy and married in Coimbatore, Samyune (very successfully) ran her father’s business at a shop in Chetput till a few years ago is now full time into social work and. Asrar is in the leather business. Samyune
Sabrin
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At the wedding.
Najma, Amina, Anwer and Hussain
Sultana and Anver Uncle on stage.
.
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In deep meditation
“Babu” as Amma called him lives in the land of the Aborigines and has kept his charm and sense of humor intact – a sign of purity like the founders of the land that is now his home. Anver Uncle worked on bikes in G.P road, went to Germany to work on V.W cars and still seem passionate about “anything on wheels”. Aunty Najma (easy to please – all she needed was coffee in the morning) is as kool as a kitten with a great attitude. Amina & Hussain are both of the “Najma – Aver mould”, both have a sense of humor. Hussain now works between England and the US (not underwater in the Atlantic)is a budding film maker. Amina works in the health industry. Hussain can make a dead man laugh !
Meerunisa and Almaaz Not much information from me about this aunt Meerunisa who married and left Madras long before I got to know here. One believes that this lady had a strong will and a determined sense of justice that saw her making some brave decisions in her life time. She passed away and is succeeded by Almaaz. Almaaz, has a sweet smile, a warm disposition and a friendly laugh – makes for a lovely person. Almaaz lives in the middle of the city and apparently plays host to a 1000 cats.
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Shenaz, Seemine, Sultan and Sohail. Sultan Uncle, the youngest of the siblings was a partner in the running of the Electrical Shop along with Chitoo uncle. Shenaz aunty has been a pillar of strength in the family and been involved with the business that Sohail set up. Sohail has a reputation that precedes him. One knows that his contribution at the Round Table has won him a fan club of sorts … His table with him as the president funds a school free for the children of fisher folk . History repeats itself – apparently, Roshan uncle and the Aavai school have connection on the similar lines. On the work front, he manages a successful business that help people find recruitment overseas. Shenaaz aunty is a part of the team at work.
Sultan.
Sohail and family.
Seemin and Shenaz.
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Niloufer and Shujaat. Shujaat, a graduate in Commerce, the older of the two off springs who left the Indian shores in the early 1980’s to work with the BCCI at Hong Kong , later moved to Singapore and is now at Canada. Niloufer, the bride from Pakistan, a lovely person – warm, friendly and caring towards the family and (apparently) Shujaat’s friends. When we visited them at Singapore, home cooked meals, genuine friendly advice and a welcoming host was the hall mark of our stay with them. They are blessed with two children – Marzea is in the picture below. One remembers Shujaat from his fist job at Connemara Hotel – the late shifts and his Lambetta scooter. When Abu uncle migrated to Canada, the responsibility of running the scooter shop fell in Shujaat’s hands (picture of the shop in following pages)
At Niloufer and Shujaat’s wedding.
Niloufer and Marzea 23
Naimet, Karim, Adnaan and Hassan
Adnaan and Hassan.
Karim and Naimet.
Karim, a strong, determined, ambitious and with a flair for business decided early in life that if “we care for the Pounds, the Penny’s will look after themselves” . Karim’s imitative to diversify into the import business was bold and daring at a time when the markets were just opening. His foray with OCEAN Glassware and SRILANKAN crockery is still legendary. Karim’s luckiest moment was meeting a young Pabani who married him. Naimet from Manila (with her wonderful late father Azeez) made a big impact on the family - readily adjusting to Amma and Chachima. Naimet and Karim have two sons Adnaan and Hassan. Adnaan is a student of Visual Communication at college and Hassan in class 11. Naimet is a teacher of dance and specializes in ballet. They live in a pent house (this is the compound in which we all grew up) now overlooking a green patch of land and tall trees Note worthy was the struggle and challenge that the family had to put up it to get back Esdale from TMLT Lorry service (their tenant who refused to vacate the property . Karim still Loves bikes, adores Mercedes and will turn his head to appreciate a good looking creature. I guess that what “makes a man” – the ability to stay unchanged and believe in one’s self.
On a drive South of Madras . 24
Mona and Rizwan . Mona, some of us knew her way before she agreed to marry Rizwan … Mona was studying to become a doctor in the fore noon and running the air conditioning business Kilpauk after lunch. Such was her dedication to Rizwan’s work and her chosen field that was successful in both. Today, she can add one more qualification of being the worlds best “Kerala Fish Curry Chef” in the entire New Awadi Road and surrounding villages up to Ambattur and beyond. Rizwan, the younger brother in the family has been primarily in the business of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. “No Sweat” was his tag line and AC Zone is so popular that people are queuing up to buy A/C even in winter. Rizwan is so busy even in these winter months that he can best answer 1 in 6 phone calls that he receives from his family members . The remaining 5 calls you make go to his office staff – one know many of his team at work on a first name basis in that process. Anybody who wants to open a business can be inspired by the “Garam Boy” Rizwan – I believe his next branch is to be in Ice Land with an outpost in the Antartica to take air conditioners and refrigerators to the natives there – talk about needing to “remain challenged”. The family comprises two boys best known as “Biscuit” and “Little Fellow” . Last summer, while Biscuit was pursuing Tennis, the Little fellow was a Swimmer. Rizwan’s interest in “the family” saw him make a family tree which is on this booklet.
“The little fellow” and Rizwan Mona and Rizwan with Saahil and Rehaan.
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Zephra, Sabita &Navaz
Sabita, Zephra And Navaz.
Cleo, Sabita and Zephra - Sunning
“Boo” Papa
At the Evening Bazaar Shop
Life as a teen ager was fun, The passion was a JAWA motorcycle and Charm’s cigarette. The favorite restaurants besides Billal, Ceylon Restaurant, Waldrof, Nanking, and Ahmedia was “Thayif Thayif”” . We never seemed to ask for the menu card – our visits were regular and favorites at each location was certain (Tayif – Muton Chops, with Onion Salad ; Billal – Paya with appams …) The last Sunday of January and the first Sunday of February was a pilgrimage to watch the motor races at Shoolawaram. Favorite music bands were still the Beatles; the Dire Straits were impressive and blew us over. Soon came The Bee Gees with Saturday Night Fever and Bony M. with Night Flight To Venus. The music was so provoking that some times, dance party’s started after breakfast and ended at lunch time … When Sabita and I were married, “our” decision to move to an open area with plenty of space and a large compound saw us “migrate” to Muttukadu - “helicopter land “which was purchased with no road access – fool hardy or plain stupid in retrospective . Loving family who suffered the journey and ventured there observed that “even the crows from Madras did not fly so far” … and Sabita got much sympathy always ! Currently, Sabita works part time in the field of education, Zephra is a full time student of Class XII. At this point in time, “Esdale – Muttukadu” is between dogs with Tha (our last family member) having chosen to get “upgraded” into a shining star sometimes visible on a clear night sky. Tha was a superb watch dog , he never minded you “watch him sleep”. (PTO)
Tha – In Chinese, the name could mean “Oh wise one”.. 26
Navaz
Whiskey my friend , me on the balcony (over the portico) which was Abu Uncles and Mumtaz aunty’s living space. This veranda overlooked The Philips’s house with the famous Nalica Tree. Muttapen Chettiar house is not in the picture. picture. Some people thought she was a dog, some a wolf and I was sure she was my “best friend”. Yusuf uncle “Dada” brought Whiskey home one day. She was fully grown and apparently needed a home. She was “my love at first site” – we were both 3-5 years old , she was my pillow (this was when she was lying sprawled and did not want to play – I would lie on the ground perpendicular to her and rest the back of my head on her belly) I think her favorite place was in the drawing room next to the radio gram. I remember I was pint sized – and used to ride on her neck. Whiskey and I were inseparable (yes, I must have been the pest in the relationship) and I still remember asking where Whiskey was at one point in time and Amma telling me that she had puppies - and then everybody refused to talk about her. She had died in the process - I wept and wept. I remember, before Whiskey, we had what people use to call a “white Alsatian” her name was Penny and Penny was always chained near the steps adjacent to Zarina Aunty’s window … the path that lead to the “Chula Kotri” (the wood fired stoves were in a separate shed – a walk away from the house) and we had to pass a Custard apple tree to get there. Dada’s friend parked a Willy’s Jeep and beyond the Jeep was the “spooky” garage (something about t being a “key factory” – must have been a code word or something?!) The photo on the left is me sitting in the circular drive way that Esdale had (the Esdale gate is in the back ground – the gate that all of Amma’s sons opened by bumping with the front of the car BANG – (nobody got down to push it open). The picture may also well be Rizwan – my mother (who sorely wanted a daughter) and Kaneez appa (who took care of me and Rizwan, took us in a pram to Loyola college) used to apparently compete in dressing us boys in frocks. Yes, I had a fantastic child hood thanks to the Family and all that they loved and stood for – Kites, Dogs, Garden, Cars,
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Farzana, Imran and Aadil. Farzana, a Rashid from Bangalore moved to Chennai and made her home in the CURRIMBHOY family – won the instant love of her mother-in-law and family and later on when Aadil began to “sprout hair on his upper lip” decided to run a store in Annna Nagar. A devoted mom, she learned how to sail just to keep pace with her talented son in the game. Aadil, a 12th. Standard student (according to his mother) apparently shows interest in law . She does not want to talk of the girls that interest him . Imran started and manages the mezzanine floor at the CURRIMBHOY building at Evening Bazaar. The family are members of the Presidency Club and keep fit with Tennis and Swimming.
Imran and Farzana.
Aadil.
Imran at the Evening Bazaar shop.
Farzana
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Gulnaz, Ishtiaq and Samaria. Gulnaz – a management graduate from amongst the leading colleges in the country now run an enterprise from home. Her interest includes pro cooking and painting on oil and canvass. Samaria is amongst the cutest thing south of the equator right up to the south pole. Her interest include sailing, jumping on the waves, cycling, Bharat Natiam and piano. Her new passion is “Nalika”. Ishtiaq is an avid Yacht’s man now also in the business of yacht. Ishtiaq’s interest include motorcycling, sailing, cooking, cars, boats … Ishtiaq has recently joined the Rowing Club with the intention of horning his rowing skills. They live at Muttkadu on the beach in a large and airy house surrounded by fruiting and flowering trees.
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At muttukadu
Ishtiaq, Navaz abd B.I.L Ateeq.
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Farhana, Maya, John +1
Farhana – not sure which one of her sterling qualities one wants to highlight first – her warmth and friendliness , her dependability (gives you the feeling of a secure relationship), her patience (even when in pain and hiking in a 15 knot breeze being driven by a n over ambitious cousin) or just her broad genuine smile … The last time Farhana came to Madras, the family came together as if being galvanized … that’s another plus point of her attitude. The photo below is of all the family wearing tea shirts with the CURRIMBHOYS family picture on it. In CURRIMBHOY T Shirts.
Small Maya
Medium Maya
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An Indian American’s Perspective on Family and 125 years :Coincidentally, the same weekend as the CURRIMBHOY reunion in Madras, there was another reunion occurring in San Francisco. This get together however, was likely not as well planned. Hussain for the most part dropped in, much like his father did in India (I suppose the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree). His spontaneity prompted us to all act accordingly, and we thought that it would be fun to get big hotel room in San Francisco to party in as much as possible. I mean why do this at home, when a hotel has a late night bar?! We got lucky and found a place that accommodated all of our needs, in a beautiful area of the city. The spontaneous nature of our actions proved to be more than fun… our time together was really, really fun. All we did is eat, drink and walk up and down steep hills, but because of Hussain, he had us laughing, just like the dead men reference under his family page of the CURRIMBHOY booklet. The kids kept circling him, unsure of what to make of him. You could see them thinking, “who is this anyway? He’s so much like us, yet we’ve never met him. We must get to know him better!”. There wasn’t a speech made by anyone, but there were lots of references to the past, when Anwer uncle’s family and ours lived in Canada in the 70s and early 80s. My favorite will always be the ole’ adage that uncle used to say, “when wine, women and song get too much for me, I’ll give up singing!”. Now I’ll stop right there before I get sentimental. Besides, it would take me some time to put into words what our CURRIMBHOY family means to me. You see, growing up without an extended family I never realized in my youth what I had always needed. This was especially the case when Hussain and his family went to Australia and we came to America. Coming to India and living in India, being accepted by you all, was strangely a relief. Like I was finally home. The gratitude I feel when I’m with my cousins is immeasurable because it reaffirms and motivates me to create a home where my daughters can feel the kind of belonging that I think children deserve. And I would venture to guess Fatima is of a similar mindset. While her son and my girls were laughing and playing together just like typical cousins (closer than friends but not siblings, so the best of all worlds) she asked Hussain, “do they remind you of us when we were kids?”. And he confirmed. Farhana.
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Fatima at Krishna’s butter ball in Mahablipuram
Fatima, Steve and Levi Currimbhoy. Fatima, the youngest in the “Raisa – Aku” brood, the lovely, energetic and charming “girl” who came to India in the last Century (1990’s) and spent a large portion of her time discovering the land of her father and helping in the “Little Flowers Convent” at the Gemini fly over. Most impressive are two memories – one is the independence that the parents had brought her up with (she was in Madras like she already knew the people and place of her ancestors) ; and (touch wood) the relationship that Farhana and she share. One know that girls bond “easy” , but Fatima and Farhana were a treat for any eyes. One admits that Farhana is an “easy to get along with person” (we once sailed a serious sailing race together in the Bay Of Bengal) … but their bond of these siblings during that holiday was special.
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Photographs of an era gone by: Black & White: 1950’s Abu, Chotu and Aku. Color: Abu, Feroz, Shujaat and Anver at A.R & Bros on G.P Road . (the Pit Stop) Nazim and Yusufali at CURRIMBHOYS – the sign “If God Be For us, Who Can Be against Us “ may have come later and may have been a gift form The Hill Top /Holiday Home Family at Kodaikanal.?
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Sultan Ali
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Merun
Zarina
Wedding At Ashoka Hotel.
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Shaheen, Gulshan, Shaama, Navaz and Irfan.
Fatima – discovering India.
Shenaz and Semeen
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When a new generation began in the 1990’s…
Karim and Hassan
“Paapoossee” (Zephra) with Sabita and Navaz.
Maya of Farhana and John fame.
Samaria – when she “popped “from her Papa’s stomach. Notice the dent on her head ? 37
The shop opposite Aavai Home School 1999 Adyar rebuilt in 2011
CURRIMHOYS Enterprises At KNK Road Evening Bazaar Shop. 38
Inside a typical shop.
Currimbhoys Anna Nagar
3 shops. – some think the bus stop got it’s name “Bhai Kadai from these shop. The Pondy Shop.
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Celebrating Founders day 2002 with staff and family at Pondy Shop 2006.
The Shop -A/C Zone
Celebrating Founders day 2002 with staff and family at Muttukadu. 40
First shop at Adyar
The plaque on top of the name board reads 1930 .
GCB, ARB and CURRIMBHOYS with Choto Uncles Anglia black in the fore ground.
The Club House Road Shop. 1980’s.
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Display and the old shop.
Rizwan and the shop cat.
Yusuf Uncle 1985
Zubeda Aunty 1985
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Mami Dadima clutching the hand bag with Bilkiz Bai along side. .
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Anver Currimbhoy “ showed up” from Australia, Abdulla C came from Pune ,Samira from Portugal, Mrs. And Cmdre. Ali from Bangalore who made the evening a memorable one. Gulshan (Ibrahim) Chachima and Kaneez’s inability to attend owing to the time of day and their health not permitting; Sanyune and Almaz being strapped for transport was a true loss to those present at the get together. Akbar C. couldn’t make the visit and joined in the celebration in California in a befitting way with Farhana, John and Husain amongst others . Farhana’s mail made it sound like they had a “soul full evening “. Gulshan Yusufali - the eternal sport showed up to this far away location and her presence was “the icing on the cake”. Karim wrote a piece on “Amma” for this booklet and read “The Kala Kabat” story and other incidents to an audience who were in splits. Those who knew her were taken “back in time”; the next generation (look at Adro’s face in the photo below) had a look on their face like you did while watching Harry Potter (unbelievable). Aadil listing to the Harry Potter story ?
At the GRT Temple Bay on 26/01/2013.
This evening was planned with the intention of “celebrating the family being in Madras” for around 125 years. The agenda amongst others was to (1) meet under the stars, (2) laugh and celebrate our predecessors , (3) to thank the heavens for our good fortune, and (4) celebrate the blessings that Madras had showered on us. The breezy location on the beach, the full moon, the cold liquids and hot food made a near perfect location for a “family get together” .A family so special in so many ways, with some of us so proud of our heritage and the city of Madras for giving us the opportunity to succeed and or satisfy our ambition.
Chachima in a Tux reminiscing Amma 44
Navaz spoke about the debt and gratitude that we feel towards our predecessors, our parents, uncles, aunts, grand parents (some of who were present). One realized that the way to “make a child happy” was to create “a safe environment”. We the nephews and grand children recognize the contribution of our parents, uncles and aunts in making this possible. Thank you ! Also, a great change (for the better ?) was perceived in this generation – that we have “no leaders or followers”. All of us cousins are equals and “come together on our own free will” or not at all … possibly a recipe for “good relationships to flourish”. Navaz mentioned the time when on Jan 1, 1994 Karim said that it was time to “restructure our business” (mostly since our ambitions and goals were growing ) and wanted this to be in a manner that “it did not come between us relatives”. Bizarre as it sounded on that New Year day, almost 20 years later – the dream remains true and we co-exist with respect and love for each other and a bunch of happy children and nephews. Amongst the happiest moment today was to see the kids, the nephews and nieces bond – some photographs are on the following pages. On this happy note, as a good Tamil would say “N Joy Saar “!
Vanakam ! (Farhana – this also means “ hope to see you soon” – Happy Days till then - Team Currim Boys and Girls) The American contingent.
Cake cutting in progress – Gulshan Aunty representing ALL the CURRIM Girls and Nazimali the Boys.
Fatima, Steve, Levi, Raisa, Akbar, John, Ava , Farhana. Hussain and Maya 45
Abu, Anver and Nazim
Ishtiaq , Samaria and Gul
Samira
Nazim and Ali
Gulshan Dadi
G and Nazim
The Gang.
Zephra,. Navaz and Samira
Abu, G, Anver and Nazim
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Imran, Farzana and Aadil
Ishtiaq and Zephra
Gulshan Chachi and Nazimali
Torch bearers of the next generaton – Adnaan, Zephra, Aadil, Hassan and Samaria.
Hassan, Karim, Adnaan, Gulshan, Naimet
Navaz Ishtiaq and Imran.
Zephra, Navaz and Sabita
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At lunch on 26th.
Checking this manuscript.
Samira – off marketing to buy Portuguese fish to make for lunch.
Samaria and Nana
Sabita, Gul, Chachima, Naimet, Zen, Samira and Zephra
Chachima blessing the cake. 48
Abu, Anver and Nazim
Samira, Dillu and Sabita
Abu, Nazim, Anver and Navaz
Chachima – holding fort.
Always a funny story
Ali’s and Ishtiaqs.
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The Founders Day Tour Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari 2013.
The Staff and their families on the tour.
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Family Tree Done By Rizwan on Face Book.
This way up. 51
