Shabana Azmi misses her mother the most during Eid. “It has never been the same without Mummy, who till her last days would organise the mehndi the night before a chudiwali (bangle seller) would make us wear bangles whilst those who could chheelo the pistas and badaam were put to work for sheer kurma the next day. Art director Bijon Das Gupta is the best at it.”
Father Kaifi Azmi would insist that the entire family wear new clothes during Eid. “It was the only day in the year that Abba would insist we wear new clothes. Farouque Shaikh and I had a standing competition that my house, Sheer Kurma, was better than his house ka, which neither of us ever conceded. I remember when I was shooting for Pyasi Ankhein, Waheeda Rehman gave me eidi and I was deeply touched. I will miss myself having a ball this Eid.”
Says Shabana Azmi, “My parents (poet Kaifi Azmi and actress Shaukat Azmi) entertained at our home without prejudice. My sister-in-law Tanve is a Hindu, and she celebrates Eid with unconditional joy. Javed and I are equally enthused by Eid and Holi. Friends are called over, and bonhomie flows. It’s a time when everybody feels so much love. There is singing, dancing, and lots and lots of good food. There is no difference between Holi and Eid. Festivity is identity-free.”
However, the Azmis’ residence does not prepare non-vegetarian food for Eid as Shabana’s brother is an animal lover.
