‘40 IS NOT BAD’
Birthday boy Hussain Kuwajerwala talks about turning 40 and being content. Says it would be “selfish to ask for more in life”
Hussain Kuwajerwala turns 40 today and the birthday boy says he couldn’t be “happier” about how his life turned out. He has been shooting for his sitcom and will meet family and friends in the evening for a small celebration. “Tina and I went on a 15-day holiday to Scotland and London, UK, recently for a pre-birthday celebration,” he says.
The actor, who is known for hosting Indian Idol, says he isn’t much of a birthday person but his wife Tina Kuwajerwala loves celebrations. “She loves to go all out and plan celebrations. Every year, there is a party — big or small — with family and friends coming over. The best birthday gift Tina ever gave me was in 2013. It was a book called The Story of Us. She had put together photos from the time we met and later years. She included our lives, our families, friends and special moments in our lives which defined me in every way and it was so special that I was touched. More than the book, it is the effort she had put into it. Getting the photos, captioning each one, describing moments and sharing stories etc., took a lot of effort. I can’t do such a thing but I don’t think she can top that gift now (laughs).”
Talking about turning 40, Hussain says, “I don’t want say the cliché line that age is just a number but that is true. As long as you feel good, it’s okay. Sure, I would love to be 20 but 40 is not bad either. When I was 21, I felt bad that my teenage years are behind me and when I was 30, I felt bad too that now I am 30. Back then, it felt like my life was over (laughs). Now at 40, if I feel bad, then life should end at 50 (laughs).”
2016 was a good year for Hussain as the actor bagged a comedy TV show and is enjoying himself. “There are times when you have work but you aren’t happy with what you are doing and are doing the job because you have to work. I am happy about my work. The past six to seven months on my show have been wonderful and it feels like we started yesterday. I have been busy and I am constantly learning on the set, which is the best part about working. Also, Tina and I moved into a new house last year. Things have been great.”
The birthday boy says he “just couldn’t ask for more”. “It feels selfish to ask for anything else. I think, I have already got a lot. But if I get something more in life, it won’t hurt either (laughs). I am content in life.”
Sure, I would love to be 20 but 40 is not bad either. When I was 21, I felt bad that my teenage years are behind me and when I was 30, I felt bad too that now I am 30. HUSSAIN KUWAJERWALA, ACTOR