From Reel to Real life: A Study of Rohinton Mistry’s Family Matters

India‟s Parsi community, although a micro part, owns a unique identity and culture. The currently existing Parsis are the descendants of Zoroastrians from Greater Iran/Persia who immigrated to the western borders of South Asia (Gujarat and Sindh) during the last half centuries of the first millennium AD to escape from Muslim invaders who were defeating Persia by that time. Zoroastrianism dominated other religions during the era of Muslim conquest of Iran. In contrast to other communities, Parsi has strained a lot to maintain and promote its culture. Parsi‟s Indian writing in English is noteworthy and their words spread even outside India. The fact cannot be denied that there is something distinct and quintessential about Parsi culture. Their contribution to English literature needs to be acknowledged. Being a Parsi, Rohinton Mistry clearly portrays the Parsi religion and rituals in his novels. He elaborates on the various shades of the world of the Parsi community and their problematic position within India. Family Matters deepens Mistry‟s exploration of the way of life of the Parsi community. Yezad Chenoy, Nariman‟s son-in-law, is a member of the Parsi community, who weaves his way between family, friends, community, work and India itself.