Dina Wadia was small and energetic, often seen wearing bright red lipstick. With high cheekbones and a pointed nose, she bore a remarkable resemblance to her father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Despite her petite stature, she exuded strength and elegance, carrying herself with confidence. Dina Wadia was charming and friendly. Her facial expression often conveyed a sense of authority, reflecting the demeanor of the founder of Pakistan.
Early Life and Background
Dina Wadia, the only child of Jinnah and Ruttie, was born in London on the midnight of August 14-15, 1919. Dina was cared for by people hired by the Quaid to look after her after losing her mother to cancer at the age of 9. Her mother Rattanbai Petit was a Parsi and after marrying Jinnah, she converted to Islam and was renamed as Maryam Jinnah. She spent a year in boarding school and then moved to England with her father and paternal aunt in 1930. After which she was sent to a small private school in Sussex. Despite differences, ensured Dina received an education in Islam and the Holy Qur’an. Hailing from the esteemed Jinnah, Petit, and Wadia families, her heritage connected her to significant social, religious, and business circles.
Turbulent Beginnings
Born in London, Dina’s premature arrival marked an unexpected twist in her parents’ lives. The Jinnah family, primarily upstart merchants, and the Petit family, affluent Parsis with ties to industry, added a unique dynamic to her upbringing.
Complex Family Dynamics
Dina’s parents, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Rattanbai Petit, represented a blend of age, religion, and temperament differences. Their separation shortly after Dina’s birth led to her upbringing by her aunt, Fatima, the leader of the Pakistan movement, raised Dina as a Muslim. After her mother’s death, she was looked after by her grandmother Dinbai Petit. Jinnah even permitted the child to take her grandmother’s name. She was brought up in a Parsi environment.
Marriage and Rift with Jinnah
Dina’s choice to marry Neville Wadia, a Parsi, led to a strained relationship with her father. Despite Jinnah’s attempts to dissuade her, the marriage took place. The rift deepened, with Jinnah formally addressing her as ‘Mrs. Wadia. She married Neville Wadia in 1938 and moved to Bombay.’ Her husband Neville Wadia succeeded his father’s business and became the chairman of Bombay Dyeing, one of India’s largest producers of textiles. The couple had a daughter Diana Wadia and son Nusli Wadia. Their marriage, however, lasted for only a few years and Ms Wadia moved to New York after her separation with Neville Wadia.
Legal Battles and Property Disputes
Dina was involved in legal disputes regarding her father’s house in Bombay, known as Jinnah Mansion. The property became a subject of contention between India and Pakistan, reflecting the complexities of partition legacies. She did not get any claim of inheritance of her father’s properties as Pakistani laws allow for a person to be disinherited for violating Islamic rules, in this case by a Muslim woman marrying a non-Muslim.
Reconciliation and Later Years
Contrary to the formalities, Dina’s personal diary revealed a later reconciliation with her father. After her death in 2017, it was unveiled that their relationship had softened over time, and they had reunited as a family.
Visit to Pakistan in 2004
In 2004, Dina made a poignant visit to Pakistan, attending a cricket match and revisiting significant places, including her father’s mausoleum. The trip, after over five decades, held emotional significance for her.
Passing and National Mourning
Dina Wadia passed away on 2 November 2017, succumbing to pneumonia at her home in New York City. Her son Nusli Wadia, Chairman of the Wadia Group, reportedly shared a close bond with his mother and used to shuttle between Mumbai and New York to spend time with her. At the time of her death in New York, she was surrounded by many of her family members and relatives. This included her son Nusli Wadia, daughter Diana Wadia, grandsons Ness and Jeh Wadia, Jeh’s wife Celina and two great-grandchildren Jah and Ella Wadia. Her death was mourned nationwide in Pakistan, with political leaders expressing deep respect for her legacy.
Dina Wadia’s life, marked by family complexities, personal choices, and a quest for identity, remains an integral part of Pakistan’s history. Her journey reflects the intricate intersections of personal and national narratives during a transformative era.
Legacy and Remembrance
Dina Wadia’s life remains a testament to the intricate intersections of family, heritage, and personal choices. Despite the challenges and distant relationships, her contributions, legal battles, and eventual visits to Pakistan underscore the enduring impact of her father’s legacy on her life.