Vir Das on becoming first Indian comedian to bag an Emmy for Best Comedy: Truly surreal

The 51st International Emmy Awards in New York City witnessed a momentous occasion as Vir Das became the first comedian from India to clinch an Emmy under the Comedy genre for his Netflix special, Vir Das: Landing. This victory marked Netflix's second win in this category, the first being in 2020. The award, however, came with a surprise twist, as the Comedy Category saw a tie, with the popular UK comedy series Derry Girls - Season 3 also sharing the recognition.

How did Vir Das react after winning an Emmy?

Expressing his excitement and joy, Vir Das said that he feels "surreal." He acknowledged the "global resonance" of his show and credited Netflix, Akash Sharma, and Reg Tigerman for making it special. He expressed eagerness for the continued exploration of diverse narratives.

He said, “This moment is truly surreal – an incredible honour 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."

"It's heartening to see 'Vir Das: Landing' resonate globally, thanks to Netflix, Akash Sharma and Reg Tigerman who made it special. 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," he added. The comedian also took to social media and shared a series of photos after winning the coveted trophy. He wrote, “For India. For Indian comedy. Every breath, every word. Thank you to the @iemmys for this incredible honour.”

From controversy to Emmy success: Vir Das' journey

Ahead of the award show, Vir Das took to social media and shared a reel that gave insight into his life and career. The reel delved into challenging times, notably recalling an incident where he was unfairly accused of being a 'terrorist.'  In a heartfelt revelation, Das expressed the profound impact of feeling like he let his entire country down. Remarkably, on the very night he faced such accusations, he found himself nominated for an Emmy Award.

Das was caught up in a controversy after being labelled a terrorist and facing seven charges in India, including accusations of defaming his homeland on foreign soil. The controversy stemmed from his performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he delivered the thought-provoking poem titled "I Come from Two Indias," addressing the country's paradoxes and sensitive issues.

Recalling the dark moments during the legal ordeal, Das shared his struggles with suicidal thoughts at the Beekman Hotel. He spoke about contemplating jumping from his hotel room and thinking, "I F***ed it up, they're never going to let me... I should jump." However, he highlighted the transformative power of growing up, realising that "Hate is yelled, but love is felt."

About Vir Das: Landing

In his Netflix special, Vir Das: Landing, Vir reflects on his upbringing in India and his transition to America. This fourth stand-up show, filmed in New York, explores the intersection of Indian and American cultures through the lens of politics, offering a unique perspective as someone born in India and raised in America.