The Sound of Metal is special for the Emmy-winning actor Riz Ahmed. The movie earned him his first Academy Award nomination, which came in 2021. And that also led his personal life to quietly take a meaningful turn. While preparing for that film, he met his now-wife, Fatima Farheen Mirza. He even dedicated his Independent Spirit Award for best male lead for the film to his wife (2021) in his acceptance speech. Though Ahmed keeps his relationship largely out of the spotlight, he has spoken warmly about his wife.

And apart from being his support system, Mirza has built a career of her own, which is worth a closer look.

Fatima Farheen Mirza is a writer from California, born to parents of Indian descent. Although she initially pursued medical studies, she later shifted to creative writing. She is best known for her New York Times bestselling novel A Place for Us, published in 2018. In the same year, she met her now husband, Riz Ahmed, at a cafe in New York City. As Ahmed shared during his appearance on The Tonight Show, it was a chance encounter when they ended up sitting at the same table, both reaching for the same laptop plug point.

That started their friendship, which eventually blossomed into a relationship. 

The couple tied the knot in 2020 in an intimate backyard ceremony in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, surrounded by close family. Ahmed later revealed the news in 2021 during an appearance on Grounded with Louis Theroux. Since then, he has occasionally opened up about their marriage, often speaking fondly of his wife.

'Hamlet' Review: Riz Ahmed Reinvents Shakespeare in a Bold, Haunting Modern Take

In an interview, the actor explained how the quarantine time during COVID helped them make a decision.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Riz Ahmed opened up about feeling happy about his marriage and personal life. When speaking of his wedding during the COVID-19 lockdown, he explained that the ceremony was intimate. The Bait actor also spoke about how this quarantine time helped them clear their mind about their individual and collective goals in life. 

"I think COVID has been a massive accelerator for people. It's been something that just clarifies things for you, clarifies what you're doing, why you're doing it, what you really want. It seems to have sent us hurtling into our own futures, collectively and individually," he said. 

He added, "Getting married was something that felt right and made sense."

The couple has made several red carpet appearances together, including the Oscars and the BAFTAs. In 2025, they welcomed their first child. While they keep their relationship private, their love and relationship clearly continue to grow stronger over time.

Alex Cooper Taps Polarizing ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Stars Dakota Mortensen, Demi Engemann for YouTube Reality Show

Did you know about Riz Ahmed's wife Farheen Mirza? Let us know in the comments.