The holy month of Ramzan is a time when Muslims try to shun all distractions and focus their energy on elevating themselves spiritually. While fasting during this period of utmost importance, there are also rules that prohibit practices such as watching movies, listening to music, and applying nail polish. But in this day and age, it’s difficult for professionals to follow the rules to a T. We take a look at how people in the city observe the month of Ramzan.
Rules are not imposed on anybody
Work comes first, work is god. There are sacrifices that you must make to achieve something. I have been raised to be a spiritual person. I believe that nothing is imposed on anybody. It’s all about true faith and belief. I celebrate all festivals. I respect all religions. I am very flexible when it comes to working during Ramzan. My funda is simple if my day is too stressful, I don’t fast. No one has the right to criticise people for the way they dress, or anything else that they do during Ramzan, or on any other day. Why should there be a particular period to help the needy? We should help people who are in need irrespective of the day, time, or month.
Ramzan is about family bonding. My mom cooks the best fish biryani and I cook mutton especially during this time. We also have our special kheer. ”
— Nadhiya, actress
We don’t watch TV
Usually, I try to avoid working during Ramzan. I can’t handle everything.
Fasting has become a matter of routine now. People say that you usually lose weight during this period, but that’s not true. In fact, in my house, my family asks me not to diet during this time of year. It’s all the fatty, delicious food that increases your weight. In my house, we don’t watch TV during Ramzan. I have to wear nail polish for my shoots, I have no choice, but I make it a point to remove it before I pray.”
— Poorna, actress
Fasting is not a big deal
“It is difficult to fast and completely change your schedule, but I get habituated to it quickly, it’s not a big deal. If I feel hungry, I take a short nap or read a book to distract myself.
My career is not affected by the restrictions. But in any profession, there are some adjustments that you have to make. If my face looks too dull, I avoid shooting for a day or two. I make sure that I read all my scenes a day before the shoot, and if I feel that it is going to be too hectic, I don’t fast on that day. Wearing makeup or applying nail polish during Ramzan doesn’t define me as a person, it’s just my profession. What matters is how a person feels. I think faith is the most important thing. Ramzan is about giving back to society; realising the suffering of people and helping them.
— Hebah Patel, actress
