Muhammad Ali died as a result of Parkinson’s disease. But Zend put up a good fight. He was doubled over by the disorder, which took away his proud Mr. Universe figure and left him stiff and wobbly. I’m unable to walk. Alternatively, communicate.
Last year, Prostate Cancer bothered Zend more than Covid. But he died yesterday from pneumonia.
Zend was introduced to me in the 1980s. His bakery, Yazdani, was only down the street from my newspaper office. He would arrive around 5 a.m. to bake the first batch of Brun, Bun, and Ladhi Pav.
The aroma from its chimney permeated the surrounding area. People, wake up. I informed them that breakfast was ready. Zend would go to Banaji Limji Agiary across the street at 7. Then come meet me with fresh bread from his old wood-fired stone oven. I would walk to Yazdani in the afternoons to have Pudding and Tea with Zend. And pay attention to his yarns.
He was going to take me to the godown. Remove his watch, pull up his sleeves, and punch the flour sacks as if he were still in a boxing ring.
Zend was a lovable and exciting person I enjoy the theater. Western classical music is my passion. But he most enjoyed the labor of kneading dough for his bread.
I once accompanied a lovely BBC television reporter to Yazdani. She ate Brun and Bun, as well as Zend’s Mawa Cake and Apple Pie. Then I foolishly asked him what ingredients he used in his baking.
“This is Irani’s sweat, not blood and tears,” Zend scoffed. The woman made a funny face.
Yazdani fed the entire Fort, and its bread was distributed to South Mumbai’s five-star hotels, major clubs and gymkhanas, and small Mangalorean and Muslim restaurants. Everyone knew who Zend was. He used to ride a Yezdi around. After that, a Kinetic Honda.
Yazdan is an Iranian hamlet. Zend is an Iranian term. Zendabash is the name. Zend once told me, “Which means live to the fullest.” That’s what he did.
I will not return to Yazdani Bakery. The aroma of the bread may entice me. But Zend will not be present. All I want for my friend now is that he rest in peace.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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