“I left school at 11, washed utensils for Rs 60”: Munawar Faruqui recalls his struggling days

Munawar Faruqui, who won Bigg Boss 17, often keeps fans updated with his personal and professional life through social media. Recently, he spoke about his childhood struggles, the challenges he has faced in his personal life, and much more.


In an interview with Yuvaa, the comedian shared how he had to leave school at the age of 11 and wash utensils for Rs 60. He shared, “I started working at the age of 9 and left school at 11. I have been working constantly for 12–14 hours a day since then. I understood one thing: it is a man’s responsibility to provide, and it is not an easy responsibility. My dad used to refuse to let me drive the car. Whenever I used to go out with a friend, he always used to ask if I was driving.”



He further shared, “When I told him that I did not know how to drive but that I would learn, he refused. When I grew up, I realised that he was a driver for 30–35 years of his life. So, he was scared that if I learned how to drive, I would become a driver, and he did not want me to.”


He also opened up about his disturbed childhood and how he witnessed domestic violence around him. He said, “Everyone’s childhood was ruined around me. I would call myself a lucky person because I saw bad people getting ruined in front of me. Alcohol was manufactured behind my house; there was just a wall in between. A man was running it, and domestic violence and fights used to happen at his house all the time. I was scared of him as a child.”


“I saw so much suffering due to alcohol in front of my eyes while growing up that I knew alcohol is a bad thing. I am so blessed that I never touched drugs or alcohol. I have literally not touched anything. I take care of myself properly. Religion is one thing, but at the same time, it was God’s plan to show me the reality of intoxication,” he added.