KARACHI: A muted Eid will be celebrated in Pakistan this year as the country records surging cases of coronavirus and a spike in related fatalities.
On the occasion, Arab News asked some of Pakistan’s most prominent celebrities about their plans for the holiday traditionally considered the most festive of the year, as it arrives at the peak of a health care crisis.
Meera
Meera needs no introduction in the Pakistani world of showbiz and film.
This Eid, the Baaji star said she had made no special arrangements for the occasion.
“In these days, when people are dying of disease, how can we buy new clothes for ourselves? How can we forget those who are in a vulnerable situation because of lockdowns all over the world?” she said.
However, the darling of the Pakistan showbiz industry said she would be promoting the clothes of designers and friends who had sent her outfits as gifts for the festive season.
Ali Zafar
The Teefa In Trouble star and musician told Arab News he would most likely be wearing a kurta gifted by a friend-- designer Asim Jofa.
A fitness enthusiast, Ali said: “I would like to eat some nice vegetables cooked nicely on Eid day.”
So much for the sheer khorma!
Humaima Malick
Humaima Malick-- a big name in Pakistani cinema-- has showed off her talent across the border in Bollywood as well. Her next big venture ‘Maula Jatt’ earlier slated for release this Eid stars Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Mahira Khan.
“I look forward to eating sheer khorma or anything sweet, as I have a sweet tooth. I crave dessert always,” the generally media shy Malick told Arab News.
She added she was not celebrating Eid this year, and had made no new clothes for the occasion.
“Year 2020 has been painful and miserable so far,” she said.
“I am just going to pray and thank God for making me strong and blessed enough to see this Eid through with my health and my loved ones.”
Faysal Qureshi
“I love to eat biryani or pulao on Eid,” Pakistani actor, producer and TV host told Arab News.
“They are my all-time favorites, but they have a special taste on Eid day!” he added.
Faisal said he wasn’t worried about new clothes this Eid.
“As far as the wearing of new clothes is concerned, I am not making any this year.”
“But something special this year is that many of my designer friends, who often gift me clothes, sent me special packages of clothes to share among others.”
“I have distributed all the suits to the needy. I am not wearing new clothes [this Eid], nor is anyone else in my family,” he said, and added he would be wearing a previously worn matching Shalwar Kameez set along with his four year old son.
Ahsan Khan
One of Pakistan’s busiest actors, TV hosts and models, Ahsan Khan, said Eid was normally a lavish affair with food at his home, and haleem was his favorite thing to eat on the special occasion.
“I wait for haleem, which has always been part of Eid brunch as a family tradition.”
This Eid, Ahsan said he planned to spend the day at home because of the threat of coronavirus.
“I am not buying any new clothes this year as we felt it dangerous to go out, although a few designer friends have sent some over as gifts,” Khan said.
Armeena Rana Khan
The UK-based Pakistani actress who rose to fame after playing the lead in film Janaan, said she loves to eat her way on Eid.
’I love kheer and sewiya,” she told Arab News. “In addition to these, I’ll probably whip up a nice dish at home seeing as we won’t be having anyone over this year.”
She said she would be wearing the work of one of Pakistan’s most prominent fashion designers, and a friend of the actor.
“I’ve been sent a beautiful Eid outfit by Ammara Khan this year,” Khan said.
