Munawar Faruqui Reflects on His Son Mikaiel’s First Roza: A Journey of Tradition and Memories

Comedian and actor Munawar Faruqui views Eid not merely as a celebration but as a serene feeling that follows the spiritually enriching month of Ramazan. "For me, Eid is that sukoon that comes after Ramazan. There’s a lot happening during Ramzan—of course it can be stressful—but it’s also filled with joy. It’s about giving, feeding each other, and being there for one another,” he explains.

Eid symbolizes a moment to pause and relax. "It’s like, now we can finally relax, sit together, and just be and enjoy the small joys,” he adds.

Reflecting on his childhood, Faruqui shares that Eid used to revolve around excitement—new clothes, delicious food, and gathering with loved ones. However, he acknowledges that with time, the focus has shifted toward love and understanding responsibilities. “As kids, it was all about excitement, but now, it’s about the love you show,” he notes.

He fondly recalls his own first roza at the age of six or seven. “I still remember that feeling of completing my first roza; it was like a celebration,” he smiles. The memory became even more poignant when his son Mikael observed his first fast last year. “It was special; I made sure to spend time with him, kept him distracted, played with him… just to make it easier. Watching him complete it meant a lot.”

At home, creating joyful moments for his children has become as important as cherishing his own memories. “We ensure the kids feel excited. They talk about it with their cousins, they wait for it; it’s that same energy,” he emphasizes. Food plays a crucial role in bridging the past and present, with sheer khurma holding a special place in his heart. “It takes me back to childhood; you won’t find that taste anywhere else,” he reflects. Yet, he admits that his wife Mehzabeen's sheer khurma has a unique touch that he now appreciates.

Despite the demands of his career, Faruqui strives to stay grounded during Ramazan, consciously minimizing distractions. “We don’t have a TV at home. Ramzan is a different time. You don’t want to spend it on entertainment; it’s more about discipline,” he states.

This year, however, he will experience a sense of absence during Eid due to work commitments. “I’ll definitely miss my family as I am not going to be home for Eid,” he shares. “When you’re working, you have to be somewhere else, but we’ll make sure to celebrate properly next year.”