A Night of Community and Compassion: Boman Irani at the Bhamla Foundation Ramadan Event
- Kenneth Hopkins
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Mumbai, the city of dreams, is also a city of generosity and togetherness, where culture, philanthropy, and tradition seamlessly intertwine. The Bhamla Foundation Ramadan event, hosted by the ever-dedicated Asif Bhamla, was a shining example of this spirit. A well-respected social activist and the driving force behind the foundation, Asif Bhamla has been at the forefront of numerous philanthropic initiatives, tirelessly working to bring communities together through meaningful causes.
The evening was further elevated by the presence of distinguished guests such as Dr. Ramdas Athawale, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, whose commitment to uplifting marginalized communities is widely recognized. Also in attendance was Jaykumar Rawal, MLA of Shindkheda Vidhan Sabha, who serves as the Minister of Marketing and Protocol, adding an important governmental perspective to the evening’s discussions. Additionally, Siddhesh Ramdas Kadam, President of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, brought forth vital conversations on environmental responsibility and sustainability, making this gathering a confluence of social, political, and environmental consciousness.
It was an evening of giving, gratitude, and shared humanity, with none other than the ever-charismatic Boman Irani gracing the occasion with his presence and profound insights.
A Conversation with Boman Irani: The Heart Behind the Celebration
As we settled into a heartfelt conversation, Boman Irani, a man known for his wisdom and wit, reflected on his association with the Bhamla Foundation over the years.
“I’ve been meeting this gentleman (Asif Bhamla) for years,” he remarked with his trademark warmth. “In fact, I recently met him, and he told me about what he was planning for today. And boom—I replied within seconds. It’s a great cause, and it’s something that actually bothers me deeply—people going to sleep hungry. That’s not a good thing.”
There was a moment of pure sincerity in his voice as he emphasized how food, beyond being a basic necessity, is a means to unite and uplift. “When I heard they were distributing food packets, I immediately asked if I could contribute in some way. But Asif had already made all the arrangements. He had it all planned, and I didn’t want to make it seem like I was trying to take credit for his incredible initiative. I just wanted to be here, to support.”
The True Meaning of Festivity
Boman Irani has always been more than an actor—he is a storyteller, a communicator, and a community man. When asked about the message he wanted people to take away from this event, he spoke passionately about the deeper essence of Ramadan and all festivities.
“I truly believe that every festival, whether it is religious, celebratory, or austere, serves a higher purpose,” he shared. “It’s not just about new clothes or grand feasts—it’s about bringing people together. Families that haven’t met in months, friends who have drifted apart, even people who may have had differences—it’s about unity.”
His words struck a chord: “Maybe you’re upset with your cousin, your neighbor, or even an old adversary. But then a festival comes along, and you suddenly feel like, ‘Hey, I’m in a godly mood today—why not hug it out?’ That’s the beauty of a celebration.”
Boman Irani’s Ramadan Food Favorites
Of course, no conversation about Ramadan would be complete without talking about food! When asked about his all-time favorite Ramadan delicacies, his face lit up.
In a revelation that caught many by surprise, he admitted, “Believe it or not, I love bhajiyas during Ramadan! I know people usually think of kebabs, but for me, it’s those crispy, perfectly fried street snacks. And you know what? You won’t find them like this anywhere else in the world—not even in Saudi Arabia. Mumbai’s street food is one of a kind.”
When it comes to traditional iftar essentials, he also noted, “I respect the tradition of breaking the fast with dates, but personally, I’m not a huge fan. I prefer something light, like a glass of water and a few snacks before getting into a full meal.”
Bollywood, Travel, and What’s Next
With his ever-packed schedule, Boman Irani was already gearing up for his next journey. “It’s been a long day, and I have an early morning flight to Bangalore, and from there, Jaipur.”
Why Jaipur, we asked?
“The iifa ,” he revealed. “It’s such a fantastic initiative—bringing together cinema’s finest. And Jaipur is the perfect place for it. Rajasthan, with its rich history, is an incredible destination for cultural tourism. The industry is doing a great job of taking such events to different places instead of keeping them limited to Mumbai. It’s about broadening the horizons of Indian cinema.”
A Night to Remember
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that this wasn’t just another high-profile event. It was an evening of purpose, a reminder that Mumbai’s heart beats not just for glamour but for community, compassion, and giving back.
Boman Irani’s presence was not just about celebrity appeal—it was about reinforcing the message of unity, generosity, and the power of human connection. And in a city as vibrant as Mumbai, where cultures blend and communities thrive, that message couldn’t be more relevant.
A heartfelt salute to Asif Bhamla and the Bhamla Foundation for organizing such a meaningful event—and to Boman Irani, for reminding us that at the end of the day, life is about the good we bring to others.
Until next time, Mumbai—keep celebrating, keep giving, and most importantly, keep uniting.
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