Faruqui’s public persona also underwent a change. While dark humour with a political bent defined his work on stage, on TV he was more deliberate and self-aware, choosing to stay clear of questions about religion and identity. There was still drama, of course, but about his personal life – in one of the most popular episodes, he revealed he had been in a loveless marriage for many years and had a son. Audiences, many of whom had shunned him until now, suddenly seemed to love his raw personality. Even Ranaut showered praises on him. After 70 episodes, Faruqui won the show.
