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Eid Mubarak

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How T'town's most prominent families celebrate the festival of joy

Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar

Eid holds a special place in the hearts of many T’town celebs. From fasting during the day and throwing Iftar parties throughout the month to cooking up a range of delicacies and organising a lavish bash on the festival day, it is indeed an occasion to rejoice and spend time with family and friends. Read on to find out how B’wood celebrates Eid!

DILIP KUMAR

Members: Dilip Kumar and wife Saira Banu

Special Eid Tradition: Earlier, Saira’s mum Naseem Banu used to take care of Eid celebrations. Today Saira and her brother Sultan Ahmed take charge. They ensure that Dilip’s friends and fans receive the true Pathan hospitality that he is known to extend to his guests. The household comes alive with the flowers, chatter, laughter and the aroma of food. Additionally, each year, food is distributed to around 80 underprivileged homes.

Food Fun: Dilip and Saira’s Maharashtrian cook of 40 years, Narmada, makes amazing chicken biryani, mutton biryani and seviyan. Care is also taken to have enough items for their vegetarian guests and this food is prepared in a separate kitchen.

The Celebration: On Eid day, the gates of their house are kept open all day for friends and well-wishers from all communities to walk in.

Special Guests: There is an overflow of guests from family members and close friends to industry people and fans.

Saira’s Favourite Memory: “I remember my first Eid as a bride. I come from a small, close-knit family. So it was a completely new experience to be in a family of 12 members with their spouses and children clamouring for Sahab (Dilip)’s attention all day!”

EMRAAN HASHMI

Members: Emraan Hashmi, wife Parveen and son Ayaan.

Special Eid Tradition: In the morning, Emraan goes to the mosque with his father after which they head home for a scrumptious breakfast with the family.

Food Fun: Emraan prefers an all-traditional menu with items like seviyan, sheer khorma and biryani. This is one day when the actor forgets his fitness and calories!

The Celebration: Emraan’s extended family and friends are invited either for lunch or dinner.

Special Guests: Since the actor prefers to keep it simple, he celebrates it with only family members. Rarely is anyone from the Bollywood frat seen at this do.

Emraan’s Favourite Memory: “I like to keep it simple with people I care about. I love the tradition my dad and I follow every Eid – going to the mosque, praying, heading home, resting for a while and being with my family.”