TV actor Mohammed Iqbal Khan, currently portraying Dr. Dev in the male-centric drama Hui Gumm Yaadein: Ek Doctor, Do Zindagiyaan, opened up about his Eid al-Adha celebrations, childhood memories, and the traditions he continues to uphold.
Childhood Eid Memories
Speaking about his fondest Eid recollections, Khan noted that while he does not have a single specific memory, he vividly recalls personally distributing meat as a child in Srinagar. "We lived in a big colony with many homes, and my dad would insist we go personally. So we would go and do that. There was a personal touch to it — it was really cool. And of course, getting eidi on that day was amazing," he said.
Fame Has Not Changed Celebrations
For Khan, fame has not altered how he celebrates the festival. "Nothing has changed. Since I've become a public figure, why should it change? There's nothing," he stated. He reminisced about childhood trips from his home to Nehru Park in Kashmir and Delhi for rides. "But since then, whatever other rituals we do, we just do that. That has been constant. Nothing has changed in that."
Key Traditions: Prayers and Family Breakfast
One tradition Khan ensures he keeps alive is attending Eid prayers while his children watch him go. "I make sure I go for Eid prayer in the morning, and I make sure my children watch me going. When I come back, we have breakfast together. We always do that, no matter what. Ninety percent of the time I take the day off on Eid so we can spend time together," he shared.
Best Eid Gift: A Video Game System
When asked about the best Eid gift he has ever received, Khan went back to his childhood. "I think the best one I still remember was when I was a little kid. Dad had bought this video game system called a Samurai, where we would play Contra, Mario, Kung Fu, and all those games. It was great. I remember getting that on one of the Eids — it felt like the next level."
Festive Feast and Attire
Regarding the festive feast, Khan picked sheer khurma for Eid al-Fitr and biryani for Eid al-Adha. On attire, he said: "Kurta versus sherwani — none for me. Since I'm from Kashmir, we wear a Pathani. We call it the Khan dress there. But sometimes, to hang loose, I also wear the kind of thing people wear in Arab countries these days."
Rest or Meetups on Eid?
When asked whether the festival is about rest or meetups, Khan laughed: "Rest isn't possible — too many things happen, so there's definitely no time for that. As for meetings, yeah, sometimes."
Khan, known for roles in Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai, Na Umra Ki Seema Ho, Tumhari Pakhi, and Nima Denzongpa, continues to balance his on-screen intensity with grounded family traditions off-screen.
