The spirit of Ramzan: TV actors share their fasting mantra while shooting on sets

From talking less on sets to changing show sequences, television actors balance work and worship during Ramzan. We hear from Adaa Khan, Eijaz Khan, Sara Afreen Khan and others.

Fasting during the holy month of Ramzan is something that even our TV stars can’t miss. Though most of them say it’s definitely difficult to fast while shooting but it’s not impossible. Here are some small screen stars sharing their experiences of being on sets for their shows while they are observing Ramzan.

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Actor Sara Afreen Khan says she makes sure to fast every year, even when she is shooting.

Sara Arfeen Khan: Whether I am working or not, fasting every year during Ramzan is a must. Unless I am ill or travelling, I make sure I fast. When one has pure intention and is determined to fast, everything becomes easy. The only difference is that I don’t talk too much on the set, so that I can conserve my energy. During Iftaar, I love eating fruits and drinking lemonade.

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Mohammad Nazim: Ramzan is an important period for me. This is the time when my unit is with me to break the fast, even when we are not on sets. Besides fasting, I also concentrate on doing good deeds during this time. This holy month helps us understand the value of everything that we have in life especially food and Allah, and how to respect them. For Iftaar, I have dates and lots of fruits.

Actor Eijaz Khan says he avoids doing scenes where he has to eat or drink, when he is fasting.

Eijaz Khan: I started fasting when I was just seven and I used to love it. Now that I am working [acting], it gets tough to fast. Most of the time, it’s not possible to tell my directors or producers that I am fasting and I can’t do a particular scene. But of course, doing this for a month is tough. Reaching the sets on time is a struggle as well because energy levels are very low, however, I still make it a point to fast every year.

Actor Adaa Khan says she will be fasting on selective days this year.

Adaa Khan: I have been fasting during Ramzan since childhood. But this year, I was not well and was even admitted to the hospital because of a stomach infection. Plus, since I am also shooting daily, I have decided to fast on selective days. Fasting is a way to cleanse yourself and I will begin fasting as soon as I start feeling a little better.

Actor Aly Goni says he performs the best when he is fasting.

Aly Goni: Once you begin fasting during Ramzan, you become so pious and holy that you barely have time to think of hunger and thirst. I feel I perform my best during this time than any other day. I love this one month.

Actor Shoaib Ibrahim says it is challenging to fast while acting, but the satisfaction of completing the fast cannot be compared to anything else.

Shoaib Ibrahim: Fasting is definitely challenging but then that’s the beauty of it. This is the only way we can tell Allah how important he is for us. Trust me, when you are fasting during Ramzan, you get the strength to carry on and the satisfaction of completing the fast cannot be compared to anything else.

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