Mumbai, India – August 31, 2025 – Stand-up comedian and Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui opened up about the profound grief he experienced following his mother’s sudden death, describing it as a “void that can never be filled” in a heartfelt interview that has resonated deeply with fans across India. The 32-year-old entertainer, known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, shared raw details of the tragedy during a recent appearance on a popular podcast, marking one of his most vulnerable public moments since the loss earlier this year.
Faruqui’s mother, Salma Khan, passed away unexpectedly in May 2025 due to a cardiac arrest at their family home in Dongri, Mumbai. The comedian was in the midst of filming commitments for his web series First Copy when he received the devastating news, forcing him to rush back from a shoot in Gujarat. In the interview with host Ranveer Allahbadia on The Ranveer Show, Faruqui recounted the harrowing moments, revealing how the shock left him in a state of disbelief and overwhelming sorrow. “I was shooting, and suddenly I got a call… I couldn’t process it. Ammi was everything—my biggest supporter, the one who laughed at all my jokes even when they weren’t funny,” he said, his voice breaking as he fought back tears. He described the pain as “like a part of me died that day,” emphasizing how her absence has affected his daily life, from missing her cooking to the quiet evenings they once shared.
The emotional revelation comes amid a challenging year for Faruqui, who has faced personal and professional hurdles, including the end of his marriage to Anna Nadia earlier in 2025 and ongoing controversies surrounding his comedy routines. Despite these, he credits his mother for instilling resilience in him, recalling how she encouraged his comedy career from its humble beginnings on social media to his stardom on national television. “She was the reason I kept going. Even during my arrests in 2022, she never lost faith,” Faruqui shared, referencing the sedition case that briefly derailed his career but ultimately boosted his popularity. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, with #MunawarStrong trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where clips from the interview have garnered millions of views.
Faruqui, who rose to fame through viral stand-up videos and won Bigg Boss 17 in January 2024, has used the platform to advocate for mental health awareness, urging others dealing with loss to seek support. “Grief doesn’t go away; you learn to carry it. Talk about it, laugh about it if you can—that’s what Ammi would want,” he advised listeners. The comedian has also dedicated his upcoming comedy special, set for release on Amazon Prime Video in October, to his mother’s memory, promising a mix of humor and heartfelt tributes.
This candid disclosure has humanized Faruqui further, endearing him to a broader audience beyond his comedy fans. As he continues to navigate life without his biggest cheerleader, the outpouring of love from celebrities like Salman Khan and Kapil Sharma underscores the comedian’s impact on Indian entertainment. Faruqui’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal battles behind public personas, inspiring many to confront their own losses with courage and openness.