Rizwan Ahmed, a British actor of Pakistani origin who is popularly known as ‘Riz Ahmed’ has become the first Muslim actor to be nominated for lead actor Oscar for his film “Sound of Metal.”

While his nomination for Best Actor highlights the lack of Muslim actors in Hollywood films, the last few years have seen a significant increase in the representation of people of other races and communities at the awards since the Oscars were criticized.

However, Bollywood’s veteran actress Shabana Azmi, came forth in support of Riz Ahmed and terms him as the best actor after his stellar performances in many movies.

She wrote, “Why should @rizwanahmed’s being “Muslim” be singled out? He is a very good actor and were he to win the Oscar I hope it will be because its a damn good performance and for no other reason. BTW I’ve worked with him in 2 films #BanglaTown Banquet and #Reluctant Fundamentalist.”

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Why should @rizwanahmed’s being “Muslim”be singled out ? He is a very good actor and were he to win the Oscar I hope it will be because its a damn good performance and for no other reason . BTW Ive worked with him in 2 films #BanglaTown Banquet and #Reluctant Fundamentalist https://www.bolnews.com/entertainment/2021/03/what-shabana-azmi-has-to-say-about-riz-ahmeds-nomination-for-oscars/amp/

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) March 16, 2021

Earlier, after being nominated for Oscars 2021, Riz Ahmed had issued a statement saying: “Wow! I’m honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement. I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci as well as our editor Mikkel, sound designer Nicolas, and co-writer Abe Marder. These nominations represents the time, generosity and talents of so many — all of our incredible cast, crew, producers and in particular I’d like to thank my mentors in the drumming, addiction recovery, and D/deaf communities.”

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He added, “Sound of Metal is about how a health crisis can cut you off from your life and loved ones, and force you to grow in unexpected ways. In a challenging year for so many, I hope this story can inspire us to forge new and deeper connections with ourselves and others.”

Wow! I'm honoured to be nominated by my fellow actors alongside such inspiring performances, and am grateful to the Academy for their support and encouragement. I’m equally thrilled for our visionary writer-director Darius Marder and the brilliant Paul Raci… pic.twitter.com/Z6ScOq08tf

— Riz Ahmed (@rizwanahmed) March 15, 2021

After being nominated for Best Actor at next month’s Oscars, he became first Muslim in Oscar history to be nominated for the award.

Apart from being an actor, Riz Ahmed is also a musician and as a rapper, his album has hit the market in the year 2020. In January 2021, he announced that he was married to US-based writer Fatima Farheen Mirza.

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