Emraan Hashmi might not come across as a deeply religious person but he has unwavering faith in a supreme power.Quiz him on life's rough experiences and he says, “My upbringing has helped me deal with them.“ He takes on the best of all religions because of his “nationally integrated family“. Emraan elaborates, “My mom was a Christian and dad is a Muslim. My grandmother converted to Islam after she married my grandfather. I believe the true meaning of religion is to imbibe the best from every faith.I visited the church with my mother, I go to the mosque with my father and temple with my wife, Parveen (who is a Hindu by birth).“ On that note, we kick-start a conversation with him about his Eid celebrations this year, his fondest memories of the festival and why his son Ayaan helps him understand spirituality with a renewed zest.

What are your plans for Eid?
I am currently in the US with my wife and son. I wish I could've spent the day with my father like every year. We will keep it simple this time. Ayaan and I will go for namaz to the nearest masjid. We have invited a few close friends for lunch.

What's on the menu?
Ah...my favourite sevaiyaan and some lip-smacking biryani.

Your fondest Eid memory...
As a little boy, I remember going to an open ground near Carter Road to offer namaz with my father. Morning prayers on Eid hold a special place in my heart since childhood. And nothing has changed till date. My father, Ayaan and I offer the morning prayers together on this day.

Is Ayaan religious?
Spiritual, more like it. He is just six but he is teaching me new things. To have faith in adverse times is a quality that you can learn only from kids. Every time he sees me or my father praying, he quietly joins us. He is still learning his verses but he prays diligently. At the same time, he accompanies my wife to the temple. Ayaan is learning the best qualities of every religion. It is fantastic as he will grow up loving, valuing and respecting every faith alike.

What are you giving him as Eidi?
That's a father-son secret. I am hoping he will love his gift this year.

In the wake of terror attacks in Dhaka, Istanbul and Medina, what is your message to people this Eid?
I want everyone to pray for those who've lost their lives in these attacks, for their families who've lost their special ones. Eid comes with a message of peace and I hope that our prayers won't go unanswered.