Everyone’s invited: Kollywood stars find ways to make iftar memorable
7 July 2015 5:58 AM IST
They are bonding with other actors and giving new meaning to communal harmony
Actor Vijay serves food at an Iftar party
The holy month of Ramzan is well underway and celebrities across town are observing the tradition of fasting sincerely, despite hectic shooting schedules and events. While plans are on for grand celebrations on Eid, several stars also take time out in the prelude to the big day, by hosting iftar parties.
Iftar is the daily evening meal around sunset when people break their day’s fast together — this observance has evolved into an occasion for celebs to break bread and bond with people from other communities and religions, look forward to Eid with a sense of bonhomie, and of course, binge on some delicious home-made food!
Most recently, actor Vijay, took the opportunity to organise an iftar party for hundreds of friends in the city. Ilayathala-pathy spent quality time with them as a host — sporting a casual dhoti and shirt — and personally served the food, ensuring everyone had a hearty meal. Later, he also sat down with them and was part of the other celebrations.
Riyaz Khan is another star, who along with his wife, Uma, makes it a point to invite people over. “Actually, since we had an inter-caste marriage, we celebrate pretty much every festival! And everyone — Hindus, Muslims, Christians or people from other religions are welcome to join in. Since cooking a special biriyani is reserved for Eid, for iftar we serve dishes like mutton curry, parottas, soup with traditional flavours, and so on. I really enjoy the times when I’m shooting for Malayalam films in the Malabar area. The entire cast and crew end up breaking the fast together over a feast! Though your body gets accustomed to fasting after sometime and you have a diet to stick to, we still have a good time when we break the fast. I particularly appreciate the way actors like Mammootty manage to fast amidst their work schedule from sunrise to sunset,” he says.
Composer and singer A.R. Reihana hasn’t organised a formal party yet – but that’s mostly because friends from the music industry keep happily dropping by for dinner throughout the month! “We make sure there’s enough food for at least a few extra people. Usually, the musicians from the film or performance I’m working on, always end up joining us. Sivamani’s brother Prem, who is also a drummer, asks me constantly when he can get invited!” she laughs.
Other actors like Arya and Jai reserve calling out a huge gang of industry friends or sending them biryani for Eid — but still find ways to make Iftar memorable. “Personally, Iftar is always very low-key for me; nothing too special as more than the thirty days of fasting, I look forward to the last day (Eid). Usually family members come, and we have something light to break the fast,” says Arya.
Jai, on the other hand, calls all his friends, Muslim and non-Muslim, and takes them for a meal outside at least on a couple of occasions — “We all go out for dinner and have a terrific time, catch up on what’s been happening. Friends make me promise I won’t forget to send them biryani containers in a couple of weeks’ time! Iftar, as the lead-up to Eid, is always memorable for me.”
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
