Vir Das wins International Emmy for comedy, marks Indian milestone

Vir Das, an acclaimed comedian, secured the prestigious International Emmy for Comedy during a ceremony held in New York today.

This marked his second nomination and first win in the esteemed category.

His triumph came with the recognition of Best Comedy Series for his Netflix stand-up special, 'Vir Das: Landing,' sharing the accolade with the UK's 'Derry Girls' season 3.

Having previously been nominated in 2021 for the stand-up special titled 'For India,' Vir Das expressed his elation in a statement shared by Netflix, saying, "This moment is truly surreal – an incredible honor that feels like a dream. Winning an Emmy for 'Vir Das: Landing' in the 'Comedy Category' is not just a milestone for me but for Indian comedy as a whole."

Acknowledging the global resonance of the show, he credited Netflix, Aakash Sharma, and Reg Tigerman for making the project special.

Das reflected on his journey and said, "My journey from crafting local stories to receiving a global accolade has been both challenging and rewarding, and Netflix has been instrumental in that growth. I'm excited about the continued exploration of diverse narratives, from Noida to the International Emmys - India gets you there."

At this year's International Emmys, Vir Das represented one of four Indians among the nominees.

Shefali Shah, nominated for her role in 'Delhi Crime,' missed the Best Actress award, claimed by Mexico's Karla Souza.

Similarly, Jim Sarbh, up for Best Actor for 'Rocket Boys,' lost to UK star Martin Freeman.

Notably, Ektaa Kapoor received the International Emmy Directorate Award this year.

Vir Das boasts an extensive career spanning comedy, acting, and music, with a portfolio that includes 35 plays, over 100 stand-up shows, 18 films, eight TV shows, and six comedy specials.

Recognisable for roles in movies like 'Delhi Belly,' 'Go Goa Gone,' 'Namastey London,' 'Love Aaj Kal,' and 'Shivaay,' Das has showcased his versatile talent across various mediums.

Furthermore, his presence extends to TV shows such as 'The Curse Of King Tut's Tomb,' 'Mumbai Calling,' 'Whiskey Cavalier,' and 'Fresh Off The Boat,' along with an array of comedy specials produced for Netflix, including 'Hasmukh,' 'Abroad Understanding,' 'Losing It,' 'Vir Das: Inside Out,' and 'Vir Das: Outside In.'

The International Emmys, hosted by US magician Penn Jillette, served as a platform to celebrate global excellence in television and entertainment, honoring outstanding contributions from diverse corners of the world.