Is the movie The Big Sick (2017) based on a true story?

Yes, The Big Sick is based on a true story. The screenplay was written by the main actor, Kumail Nanjiani, and his wife, Emily V. Gordon, who both went through a similar experience of falling in love and dealing with a medical crisis. The film is loosely based on their real-life courtship and the difficulties they faced when Emily became seriously ill and was put into a medically induced coma.

What is the true story behind the movie The Big Sick (2017)?

The Big Sick (2017) is a rom-com film based on the true story of the film’s co-writers, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. In the movie, Kumail plays himself and Zoe Kazan plays Emily (changed from her real name, Emily Gordon) who fall in love but face cultural and medical obstacles.

The couple met in Chicago in 2006 when Emily heckled Kumail during one of his stand-up gigs. They hit it off, but Kumail was not upfront about his family’s traditional Pakistani Muslim expectations when it comes to dating and marriage. The couple broke up when Kumail’s parents discovered Emily’s photo and began pressuring him to consider an arranged marriage.

During the time they were apart, Emily fell ill and was hospitalized. Her illness progressed rapidly until doctors placed her in a medically induced coma. Kumail flew to her bedside and stayed with her and her parents, who didn’t know him well at the time. Their interactions became awkward and funny. Emily eventually recovered and the couple resumed their relationship.

Nanjiani and Gordon co-wrote the screenplay, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2018.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie The Big Sick (2017)?

Yes, there is a book called “The Big Sick: The True Story Behind the Film” by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. It was published in 2017 and provides a deeper look into their real-life experiences that inspired the movie.

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