Celebs on Ramzan 2021: Virtual iftar meets & praying for health

For many TV actors staying alone in Mumbai, this is the second year they will miss being with their families during Ramzan. While some are sharing sehri and iftar virtually with their family, others are hoping that next year’s Ramzan will be all about celebrations with family and friends, like it was pre pandemic.

Arshi Khan, who tested COVID positive recently, told us that she misses her family the most during the month of Ramzan, which used to be a grand celebration at her home in Bhopal. “We always used to have a gathering at home with friends and family. I would want to experience that again soon. Before I tested COVID positive, I was doing virtual iftar with my family every day,” she said.

For Aamir Ali, Ramzan would ideally mean meeting friends and family for prayers and iftar, but the last two years have been different. “Last year, we were still positive about things, but this year I see so many of my friends and their families getting infected. It is time for all of us to be careful and pray for everyone’s health and wellness. This is what I have decided to do this Ramzan. I miss meeting friends and family, but what is important is to keep celebrations low-key and be responsible for ours and everyone else’s safety,” says Aamir.

Hasan Zaidi would have been with his wife and daughter in Austria, but he says that he recently signed a show and he had to be in Mumbai for that. “But then lockdown happened in Mumbai, and I can’t even shoot. I have been fasting and preparing iftar but I miss being with my wife and daughter at this time. Celebrations are not complete unless you are with your family. I feel bad that I won’t be with them even on Eid. We have been together as a family mostly during Ramzan, but for me this year it is tough to not have them around,” says Hasan.

Sara Arfeen Khan feels that her prayers were answered this year during Ramzan as her husband, who was visiting India from London, had to stay back due to the lockdown in Mumbai. He had to delay his travel plans keeping in mind the surge in COVID-19 cases in India at present. Sara, who came to India last year, but has not been able to travel back to London to be with her family, says, “I feel bad for my 19-month-old twins who have missed two Ramzan celebrations with family. I want them to see how it is a big celebration. Since my family is not here, I don’t feel those festive vibes. That celebratory spirit is missing without my family,” she says.

Zain Imam says that he misses being with his entire family during Ramzan. “Virtual celebrations are not the same. I am just praying that next year we all should be together as a family in the month of Ramzan and for Eid celebrations,” he says.

Zain Imam’s parents are with him for Ramzan this year, but he misses his brother and other family members. “I remember how difficult it was last year to be alone in Mumbai during Ramzan. I was fasting and missed my mom so much as she wasn’t there with me to make sehari and iftari. Also, you don’t even feel like cooking and eating alone. So it’s good to have your family around,” he says