Everything To Know about Short Film “Nani’s Biryani”
During Ramadan, Zubair attempts to connect with his culture through food content on social media ... he ultimately ends up getting schooled by his grandmother on how to prepare a traditional dish.
Zubair, the short film's lead, will do anything to stand out from everything that makes him South Asian American in order to fit in with his friends ... including making a questionable biryani recipe for clout. That is, until Nani comes in.
Leading up to and throughout Ramadan, we’ll be highlighting the filmmaking process for “Ramadan America,” Rifelion Media's first-of-its-kind film anthology written by, directed by and starring American Muslims.
The first of the short films featured in “Ramadan America” is called “Nani's Biryani,” which follows a young Muslim American boy named Zubair who will do anything to stand out, especially if it means fitting in. During Ramadan, Zubair attempts to connect with his culture through food content on social media ... he ultimately ends up getting schooled by his grandmother on how to prepare a traditional dish. The film is ultimately about self-love and embracing our differences.
Aariq Manji stars as Zubair Khan, a Muslim American preteen who is a little geeky, yet confident and charming. Zubair will do anything to stand out from everything that makes him South Asian American in order to fit in with his friends. When he sets his mind to something, he is determined and isn't afraid of doing things a little differently.
Manji is joined in the cast by his father, the Canadian actor Rizwan Manji who is best known for his performances on “Schitt’s Creek” (2015 – 2020) and “The Magicians” (2015 – 2020). Rizwan Manji plays his son’s on-screen dad, Samir Khan. Samir likes to joke and make light of things. He is really proud of Zubair and ready to help when he needs it. Ultimately, he knows Zubair will figure things out because he is raising a good son.
Saman Hasan plays Ayesha, Samir’s wife and Zubair’s mother. The counterbalance to Samir, Ayesha takes things a little more seriously. Like her husband, she is equally proud of Zubair and ready to help, but Zubair rarely asks her, which makes her a little sad.
Finally, the titular Nani is played by Saima Huq. Nani is Ayesha's mother and she has seen it all. Having raised children and now seeing her grandchildren grow, she is not worried about anything — especially not biryani. Nani is always in Zubair's corner and will show up whenever he calls, because that's what Nanis are for.
Anwar Molani is a doctor by day and actor by night. He plays Dad, Soniya and Yasmeen’s family patriarch, in the “Ramadan America” short “In The Meantime.”
