Eid has always held a special place in Munawar Faruqui’s heart. The excitement of new clothes, the warmth of family gatherings, and the simple joy of giving and receiving Eidi have remained constant in his life, even as everything else around him has changed. From struggling days to living in a plush Mumbai apartment, Munawar’s love for the festival has never faded. The only difference now is that the roles have reversed, he’s the one giving Eidi and hosting grand celebrations.
As the festive season brightens homes across the country, Munawar took a moment to reflect on the memories and traditions that continue to shape him. For him, Eid isn’t just another holiday. “Eid is the most celebrated festival and the number one festival for me,” he says with a smile. It’s a time of gratitude, family, and remembering where you started.
Looking back at his early days, Munawar shared a memory from school. He recalled borrowing a friend’s bicycle to get to class until a hurtful remark from the friend’s mother made him stop. From that day, he chose to walk. Quietly, he would pray for a cycle of his own. When his old cycle finally got repaired, it felt like a treasure. That simple joy taught him to value the little things. Even now, as he looks around his sea-facing apartment, he often catches himself in disbelief. “I was happy with just a cycle, so now everything is a bonus. I am the happiest,” he shares.
Fame and success have added many luxuries to his life. He now flies first class, fans cheer for him wherever he goes, and his career remains busy and eventful. But through all the chaos, Munawar has held on to gratitude. He avoids dwelling on negativity or unnecessary complaints. “Main kabhi nahi shikhayat karta ki mere saath aisa kyun ho raha hai,” he adds, choosing instead to count his blessings.
Food is a huge part of Eid for Munawar. Though he enjoys cooking, he laughs and says, “I don’t experiment on Eid.” What he looks forward to most is the biryani. “Eid ki biryani ka swaad alag hai,” he admits. The joy of eating together as a family, with plates full of freshly cooked dishes, makes it unforgettable. He’s also a fan of Sheer Khurma but prefers it a day later when the milk thickens just right. His wife knows this well and prepares it exactly the way he likes it.
This year’s Eid feels extra special for Munawar. It’s his second one with his wife, makeup artist Mehzabeen Coatwala. Praising her for handling the Eid shopping and organizing everything, Munawar shares how she takes care of the family so well. This time, instead of visiting relatives, he’s hosting a grand gathering at his own home. “Now my family is here. So, forty people will be here and we will throw a dawaat,” he reveals happily.
On finding love and companionship, Munawar believes that everything happens when it’s meant to. Over time, he says, people grow wiser about relationships and learn what truly matters. “It was important for both of us to meet at the right time,” he reflects. Life’s journey, with its mix of beautiful and tough moments, eventually leads to the right destination. For Munawar, the wait was worth it, and the chapter he’s in now feels like a story with the perfect ending.
