In a deeply personal and moving revelation, British Oscar-winning actor and rapper Riz Ahmed has announced he has become a father for the first time.
The disclosure came during a heartfelt interview on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' podcast, where the 41-year-old star spoke candidly about this new chapter in his life.
Ahmed revealed the poignant inspiration behind his newborn son's name, choosing to honour both his wife, acclaimed author Fatima Farheen Mirza, and his own late father. The baby's name is a beautiful fusion of their names, a decision Ahmed described as a way to create a sense of continuity and connection between past and future generations.
'It was my way of saying, "You meet my dad, you meet my wife",' Ahmed explained, his voice filled with emotion. 'It's like an elevator shaft between the generations. We're all just chapters in the same book.'
The actor, known for his powerful roles in 'Sound of Metal' and 'Rogue One', met his novelist wife, Fatima Farheen Mirza, at a café in New York. The couple married in a private ceremony in 2020.
Ahmed's reflection on fatherhood touched on the profound responsibility and joy it brings. He described the experience as a form of 'time travel,' connecting him to his own ancestors while simultaneously projecting him into the future through his child.
This joyful news marks a significant personal milestone for the London-born artist, who has previously been relatively private about his family life, choosing to focus public attention on his groundbreaking work in film and music instead.
