Munawar Faruqui
{{Short description|Indian stand-up comedian and Rapper (born 1992)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox comedian
| name = Munawar Faruqui
| image = Faruqui at Dongri.jpg
| caption = Faruqui in 2024
| birth_name = Munawar Iqbal Faruqui
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992
| birth_place = Junagadh, Gujarat, India{{Cite web|date=12 June 2023|title=It's impossible to do stand-up comedy without offending anyone: Munawar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/its-impossible-to-do-stand-up-comedy-without-offending-anyone-munawar/articleshow/100928939.cms|website=Times Of India|language=en-US}}
| genre = {{hlist|Dark comedy|Satire| character comedy|Hip hop|(Rap)|song writing}}
| medium = Stand-up comedy
| years_active = 2018–present
| spouse = {{ubl|{{marriage|Jasmine|2017|2022|end=divorce}}{{cite news |date=2022-05-13 |title=Munawar Faruqui says he'll meet his son soon, days after revealing about his wedding & kid on Lock Upp|work=Indiatvnews|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/ott/munawar-faruqui-says-he-will-meet-his-son-soon-days-after-revealing-about-his-wedding-kid-lock-upp-winner-2022-05-13-776327}}
{{marriage|Mehzabeen Coatwala|2024|}}
}}
| children = 1
| module = {{Infobox YouTube personality
| embed = yes
| pseudonym =
| genre = {{flatlist|
- Comedy
|Hip Hop(Rap)}}
| channel_handle = munawar0018
| channel_display_name = Munawar Faruqui
| subscribers = 5.27 million
| views = 440 million
| network =
| associated_acts =
| silver_button = yes
| silver_year =
| gold_button = yes
| gold_year =
| diamond_button =
| diamond_year =
| stats_update = 6 November 2024}}
}}
Munawar Iqbal Faruqui (born 28 January 1992) is an Indian stand-up comedian, rapper and singer. In 2022, he won the reality TV show, Lock Upp 1.{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2022-05-08 |title=Munawar Faruqui declared winner of Kangana Ranaut's reality show 'Lock Upp' |url=https://theprint.in/feature/munawar-faruqui-declared-winner-of-kangana-ranauts-reality-show-lock-upp/947211/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} In 2023, he participated in Bigg Boss 17 and emerged as the winner.
Early life and education
Faruqui was born in Junagadh, Gujarat,{{Cite web|date=5 February 2021|title=Who is Munawar Faruqui? Why was he arrested?|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/who-is-munawar-faruqui-why-was-he-arrested-101612515403257.html|access-date=2 June 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=4 January 2021|title=Everything you need to know about Munawar Faruqi|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/everything-you-need-to-know-about-munawar-faruqi-7131955/|access-date=4 June 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}} on 28 January 1992 into a Gujarati Muslim family.{{Cite news|last=Nainar |first=Nahla |date=2 June 2021 |title=Laughter challenger: Munawar Faruqui finds humour in life against all odds|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/theatre/stand-up-comedian-munawar-faruqui-on-moving-on-with-humour/article34708129.ece|access-date=4 June 2021|issn=0971-751X}} His father lost the money and came under a huge debt.{{cite news |title=Munawar Faruqui reveals he sold samosas after father 'lost all his money': He was under massive debt |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tv/munawar-faruqui-reveals-he-sold-samosas-after-father-lost-all-his-money-debt-101691203368738.html |access-date=23 December 2023 |agency=HT Entertainment Desk |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=August 5, 2023}} Due to financial constraints, he left school after the 5th class.{{Cite web |title=Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui reveals he has studied only till 5th standard, know KhanZaadi's educational qualification |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/bigg-boss-17-munawar-faruqui-reveals-he-has-studied-only-till-5th-standard-know-khanzaadis-educational-qualification/f0738d5670336 |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} He started to work to make the ends meet. Still a child, he worked at a gift shop and later joined his mother & grandmother in making and selling samosas and chaklis. His mother committed suicide when he was 14 years old. After his mother's death, he relocated to Mumbai at his aunt's request.{{Cite news |date=2023-12-12 |title=Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui reveals he didn't know his ex-wife got married when his son had come home for 15 days; says "I called Mikhail's nana to know if it was true, she moved to another city" |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bigg-boss-17-munawar-faruqui-reveals-he-didnt-know-his-ex-wife-got-married-when-his-son-had-come-home-for-15-days-says-i-called-mikhails-nana-to-know-if-it-was-true-she-moved-to-another-city/articleshow/105913193.cms |access-date=2023-12-13 |issn=0971-8257}} He started to do some odd jobs in Mumbai.{{cite news |title=Lock Upp Winner Munawar Faruqui Opens Up On His Childhood, 37 Days In Jail And His Father's Demise; "I Had To Borrow Rs 30,000 To Take My Father's Mortal Remains To Our Village" |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/lock-upp-winner-munawar-faruqui-opens-up-on-his-childhood-37-days-in-jail-and-his-fathers-demise-i-had-to-borrow-rs-30000-to-take-my-fathers-mortal-remains-to-our-village/photostory/101254083.cms?picid=101254198 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=23 December 2023}} In 2020, his father passed away, after being paralysed.
Career
In April 2020, he uploaded a standup comedy video named "Dawood, Yamraaj & Aurat" on his YouTube channel.{{cite news |title=10 Best Munawar Faruqui Stand Up Comedy Videos |url=https://newstandupcomedy.com/new-munawar-faruqui-comedy-videos-2022/ |work=Stand Up Comedy |date=3 February 2022}} He released his debut song "[https://youtube.com/watch?v=ziFS1ATzuiY Jawab]" in collaboration with Indian musician Spectra in August 2020.
On 28 February 2021, he uploaded a standup comedy video named "Ghost Story" on his YouTube Channel.{{cite web |author=Scroll Staff|title=Watch: Comedian Munawar Faruqui's ghost story entertains viewers in this new stand-up video |url=https://scroll.in/video/988209/watch-comedian-munawar-faruquis-ghost-story-entertains-viewers-in-this-new-stand-up-video |website=Scroll.in|date=March 2021 }}
In 2022, he became a contestant on Balaji Telefilms' reality television show Lock Upp, hosted by Kangana Ranaut.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-22 |title=Munawar Faruqui's Latest 'Collab' Is With Kangana Ranaut For Her Reality Show Lock Upp! |url=https://www.koimoi.com/television/munawar-faruquis-latest-collab-is-with-kangana-ranaut-for-her-reality-show-lock-upp/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=Koimoi |language=en-US}}{{cite web |title= Comedian Munawar Faruqui is the second contestant in Kangana Ranaut's reality show 'Lock Upp| url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/comedian-munawar-faruqui-second-contestant-kangana-ranauts-reality-show-lock-upp/|date=22 February 2022|website=Bollywood Hungama}} On 8 May 2022, he was declared the show's winner.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/munawar-faruqui-wins-lock-upp-season-1-payal-rohatgi-is-first-runnerup-101651951279572.html|title=Munawar Faruqui wins Lock Upp season 1, Payal Rohatgi is first runner-up|date=8 May 2022|website=Hindustan Times}} The show was streamed on OTT platforms ALTBalaji and MX Player.{{cite news |title=Lock Upp: Where, when and.... |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/lock-upp-where-when-and-what-to-expect-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-kangana-ranauts-show/articleshow/89871810.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=20 December 2023}}
In 2023, he became a contestant on the reality TV show Bigg Boss 17, hosted by Salman Khan. On 28 January 2024, he was declared the show's winner.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tv/munawar-faruqui-lifts-bigg-boss-17-trophy-thanks-salman-khan-101706494464598.html |title=Munawar Faruqui lifts Bigg Boss 17 trophy, thanks 'bade bhai' Salman Khan |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |date=29 January 2024 |language=en}} He participated in session 1 of [https://cricket.one/cricket-news/entertainers-cricket-league-2025-season-2-full-schedule-squads-venues-and-live-streaming/67c4e2f09724cd66d537b07e Entertainers Cricket League].(ECL)
Personal life
Faruqui married Jasmine{{cite web |last1=Sagar |first1=Aditya |title=Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui Reveals His Ex-wife Married Again, Breaks Down Remembering Son |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/bigg-boss-17-munawar-faruqui-cries-for-son-reveals-ex-wife-got-married-618484.html |website=indiatimes.com |date=24 October 2023 |publisher=TIMES INTERNET LIMITED |access-date=24 December 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Ranjit |first1=Abhishek |title=Bigg Boss 17: Who's The Dimple Girl In Munawar Faruqui's Life? Did Ayesha Khan Take Anjali Arora's Name? |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/television/news/2023/bigg-boss-17-who-is-dimple-girl-munawar-faruqui-girlfriend-anjali-arora-ayesha-khan-nazila-sitaishi-378451.html |website=filmibeat.com |publisher=Oneindia (Greynium Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd.) |access-date=24 December 2023}} in 2017 but the marriage ended in divorce in 2022. The ex-couple has a five-year-old son.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-31 |title=Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui confesses to Mannara Chopra that his ex-wife got married and he is living with his 5-year-old son; says "I got so close to him that there is no limit to that affection" |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bigg-boss-17-munawar-faruqui-confesses-to-mannara-chopra-that-his-ex-wife-got-married-and-he-is-living-with-his-5-year-old-son-says-i-got-so-close-to-him-that-there-is-no-limit-to-that-affection/articleshow/104836690.cms |access-date=2023-12-22 |issn=0971-8257}}
In December 2021, he started dating social media influencer Nazila Sitaishi.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-08 |title=Lock Upp Winner: Munawar Faruqui wins Kangana Ranaut's show H |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/munawar-faruqui-winner-lock-upp-kangana-ranaut-show-7905626/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2023-10-23 |title=Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui cries inconsolably as he misses his son; says, "pure din me sochta hu ki vo kya kar raha hoga" |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bigg-boss-17-munawar-faruqui-cries-inconsolably-as-he-misses-his-son-says-pure-din-me-sochta-hu-ki-vo-kya-kar-raha-hoga/articleshow/104645132.cms |access-date=2023-10-23 |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-23 |title=Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui CRIES While Missing His Son; Says 'Mujhe Uski Bahut Yaad Aa Rahi Hai' |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tv/bigg-boss-17-promo-munawar-faruqui-cries-while-missing-his-son-says-mujhe-uski-bahot-yaad-aa-rahi-hai-article-104650299 |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=TimesNow |language=en}} In Bigg Boss 17, Ayesha Khan accused him of two-timing her and Sitaishi and being involved with multiple women.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Munawar Faruqui breaks down as Ayesha Khan accuses him of being involved with multiple women: 'If Bigg Boss opens the door, I will walk out' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/munawar-faruqui-breaks-down-as-ayesha-khan-accuses-him-of-being-involved-with-multiple-women-if-bigg-boss-opens-the-door-i-will-walk-out-9072407/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ayesha Khan: Munawar broke my trust, lied to me about his girlfriend {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/ayesha-khan-says-munawar-faruqui-broke-her-trust-lied-to-me-about-his-girlfriend-exclusive-2477057-2023-12-17 |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=India Today |language=en}} Subsequently, on 18 December 2023, Sitaishi broke up with him on Instagram live, accusing him of cheating.{{Cite web |title='BB 17': Munawar Faruqui's ex Nazila claims he cheated on her with many girls |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/bigg-boss-munawar-faruqui-ex-girlfriend-nazila-sitaishi-ayesha-khan-2477777-2023-12-19 |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first=| date=2023-12-19 |title=Bigg Boss 17: 'Whatever Munawar said is untrue...', girlfriend Nazila reveals{{!}} Watch |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/tv/bigg-boss-17-whatever-munawar-said-is-untrue-girlfriend-nazila-reveals-watch-2023-12-19-907898 |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en}} In May 2024, he married Mehzabeen Coatwala, a makeup artist.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-02 |title=Watch: Munawar Faruqui, wife Mehzabeen Coatwala enjoy romantic dinner in Dubai |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/munawar-faruqui-wife-mehzabeen-coatwala-enjoy-romantic-dinner-in-dubai-2561142-2024-07-02 |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-07-02 |title=Munawar Faruqui Kisses 2nd Wife Mehzabeen After Khanzaadi's Shocking Comment About Their Marriage {{!}} Watch |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/munawar-faruqui-kisses-2nd-wife-mehzabeen-after-khanzaadi-shocking-comment-about-marriage-watch-8951786.html |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=News18 |language=en}}
Controversy
Munawar Faruqui was on his tour performing stand up comedy in different cities of India. On 1 January 2021, he performed a stand-up show at Munro Cafe in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, which was interrupted by Eklavya Singh Gaur, son of BJP MLA Malini Gaur{{Cite web|title=Eklavya Singh Gaur, The Complainant In Munawar Faruqui Case, May Make A Political Career Out Of It|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-eklavya-singh-gaur-the-complainant-in-munawar-faruqui-case-may-make-a-political-career-out-of-it/373543|access-date=5 June 2021|website=Outlook India}} accusing him of making malicious jokes about Hindu deities and the Minister of Home Affairs of India, Amit Shah.{{Cite web|date=28 January 2021|title=Why comedian Munawar Faruqui was arrested: A timeline|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-comedian-munawar-faruqui-was-arrested-a-timeline-101611823703715.html|access-date=5 June 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}} On 2 January, he was arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police in the midst of his comic act, stating that he was arrested under the Hate speech laws in India.{{Cite web|last=Iyer|first=Aishwarya S.|date=22 January 2021|title=Hardworking, Kind, A Friend: Munawar Faruqui Beyond The Headlines|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/munawar-faruqui-who-is-he-stand-up-comedian-friend-sagar-anish-saad|access-date=5 June 2021 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}
His arrest was criticised by some people, including by a small group of global Indian diaspora on 2 February 2021, that said a group of South Asian American stand-up comedians will perform a virtual comedy show on 6 February 2021 to show their solidarity with the jailed Faruqui.{{Cite web|title=South Asian American stand-up comedians to perform in support of Munawar Faruqui|url=https://scroll.in/latest/985711/munawar-faruqui-obvious-target-for-hindu-groups-who-seek-to-stifle-dissent-global-indian-diaspora|access-date=4 June 2021|website=Scroll.in|date=2 February 2021 |language=en-US}} He was subsequently granted bail (not acquitted) by the Supreme Court of India.{{Cite web|date=7 February 2021 |title=Munawar Faruqui released on bail after late-night call from top court judge |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/comedian-munawar-faruqui-bail-plea-7177669/ |access-date=4 June 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}} He spent 37 days in jail.
On 26 March 2024, he was detained by Mumbai police during a raid at an illegal Hookah Bar in Mumbai. He was later released on bail as offence was bailable.{{Cite web |title=Munawar Faruqui Detained During Raid At Mumbai Hookah Bar, Released Later |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bigg-boss-17-winner-munawar-faruqui-detained-in-mumbai-for-consuming-hookah-5317856 |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=NDTV.com}}{{Cite news |date=2024-03-27 |title=‘Bigg Boss 17’ winner Munawar Faruqui arrested after a raid at Mumbai hookah-bar |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/bigg-boss-17-winner-munawar-faruqui-arrested-after-a-raid-at-mumbai-hookah-bar/articleshow/108811710.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-07-03 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}
Filmography
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of television credits |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes ! Ref. |
|---|
| 2019
| Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala | Roast Comic | | |
| 2022
| rowspan="2" |Contestant | rowspan="2" |Winner |
| 2023–2024 |
| 2025 - present
|Hafta Vasooli |Host | | |
=Special appearances=
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Show !Role !Notes !Ref. |
| rowspan="5" |2024
|Suhaagan: Ke Rang Jashn Ke Rang | rowspan="5" |Himself |Holi Celebration |
| Dance Deewane 4
| | |
| Madness Machayenge – India Ko Hasayenge
| | |
| Bigg Boss OTT Season 3''
| To interact with housemates and conduct a task. | |
| [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/television/star-vs-food-survival-returns-for-season-2-on-discovery-channel-and-discovery-1829676 Star Vs Food Survival]
|Munawar joins chef Ranveer Brar in the new episode of Star vs Food Survival Season 2 |
=Music videos=
| class="wikitable "
|+ List of music video credits |
| style="text-align:center;"
! Year ! Title ! Singer(s) ! Ref. ! Notes |
| 2022
|"Halki Si Barsaat" |Saaj Bhatt | |Featuring; Nazila Sitaishi |
| 2022
|"Ik Tu Hi" |Rito Riba | |Featuring; Oviya Darnal |
| 2024
|"Halki Halki Si" |Asees Kaur, Saaj Bhatt |{{Cite web |last=Cyril |first=Grace |date=2024-02-23 |title=Halki Halki Si Out: Hina Khan Wooes Munawar Faruqui In This Melodious Love Story |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tv/halki-halki-si-out-hina-khan-wooes-munawar-faruqui-in-this-melodious-love-story-article-107932557 |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=TimesNow |language=en}} |Featuring; Hina Khan |
| 2025
|"Hawa Banke" |Rito Riba | |Featuring ; Kinza hashmi |
Discography
References
{{Reflist|refs=
}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{IMDb name|nm12682146}}
- {{YouTube|c=munawar0018}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Faruqui, Munwar}}
Category:Indian male comedians
Category:Indian stand-up comedians
Category:Indian theatre people
Category:Indian prisoners and detainees