Indian comedian and actor Vir Das is set to make history as the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards on November 25, 2024, in New York City. As the event approaches, Vir shared his feelings about the monumental occasion, admitting that he is feeling “nervous” about stepping into such a significant role.
A Pivotal Moment for Vir Das
In an exclusive interview with AP, Vir Das revealed that hosting such a prestigious event at this particular time is both exciting and challenging. Reflecting on the current political climate in the United States, he noted, “It’s a weird month to be a foreigner in America hosting a massive award show, you know, in a room full of foreigners in a hotel in New York City.” His comments highlight the uniqueness of the moment, especially with the backdrop of the recent U.S. presidential elections where Donald Trump was re-elected as president.
For Das, this moment underscores the experience of being an “underdog,” which he believes resonates with the essence of the International Emmys. He continued, “I think I’m nervous about capturing the feeling in the room and capturing the feeling of the country and making it a celebration of underdogs, which is who I think the people who come to the International Emmys are, underdogs.” His reflections suggest a desire to highlight the diverse and resilient individuals that make up the international entertainment community.
A Historic Achievement for Vir Das
The upcoming event is particularly significant for Vir Das as it marks another milestone in his career. In 2023, he won an International Emmy Award for his Netflix special “Landing”, making him one of the most prominent Indian voices in the global comedy scene. Hosting the Emmys adds to his growing influence in international entertainment, and many fans and colleagues are eagerly anticipating how he will bring his unique humor and energy to the stage.
Vir’s Views on the Evolution of Comedy
In the same interview, Vir also reflected on how comedy has evolved over the years, particularly during his time in the U.S. He noted that the landscape of comedy changed significantly in the last five to six years. When he first arrived in the U.S. in 2015-16, he was focused on learning how to adapt his comedy style to American audiences. During that time, he mentioned how many comedians had to align their material with what was understood about India, such as the stereotypical jokes about Indian doctors.
However, with the rise of platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube, Vir believes the focus has shifted. “It’s kind of more important to do you. And no matter where you are in the world, can I take you home with me?” he shared, emphasizing how global platforms now encourage authenticity and personal storytelling in comedy.
Vir Das’ Fashion Statement
As the first Indian to host such a prestigious event, attention will also be on Vir’s attire for the evening. In September, Vir shared on Instagram that he would not be wearing a designer outfit for the event. Instead, he invited emerging Indian designers to contribute to his look by sending them his requirements. He stated, “Not going to wear a fancy designer,” further solidifying his commitment to representing his Indian roots.
For more updates on Vir Das and the International Emmy Awards, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
