Kumail Nanjiani & Emily Gordon

The Big Sick – a highly acclaimed film that won several awards – is based on the real-life story of the couple, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon, who penned the story themselves. The story of the said film was based on their early love story that is turmoiled with cultural difference, and later, with a life-threatening condition.

Kumail, a double degree holder – philosophy and computer science – pursued a career in comedy and acting that led him to meet his American wife, Emily. His keen ability in comedy captured Emily’s heart and later started their relationship. As Kumail’s Pakistani ethnicity and culture play a big part in choosing a lifetime partner, their relationship was kept hidden until Emily fell into a coma for three months. The very scenario of your loved one in bed, sick, and fighting for her life made Kumail push boundaries. As soon as Emily got better, the two wed in 2007 at Chicago City Hall.