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Vir Das recently created history by becoming the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards. This came after the actor-comedian bagged his first International Emmy Award last year for his Netflix comedy special, Vir Das: Landing. He shared the award with Derry Girls Season 3. Days after hosting the awards gala, the actor-comedian shared his opening monologue which set the tone for a lighthearted and cheeky evening.
Vir, who flew all the way from Mumbai, began his monologue by making a tongue-in-cheek reference to immigration. He quipped, “It is very good to be here completely legally. I’m not a citizen. It’s a very quick visit, in and out. I was just here to vote.” He also jokingly acknowledged the typecasting of Indian actors in Hollywood. Vir shared how Hollywood shows and films call any Indian character, ‘Raj’. He said, “It’s the only name Americans know. I have been offered Dr Raj, Lawyer Raj, banker Raj, and engineer Raj.” The actor added, “I once got a guy from England literally named British Raj. I didn’t take the part. I want to keep my diamonds.”
Vir Das then took a dig at Hollywood’s tendency to remake international films, joking, “We tell the original diverse international stories that Hollywood remakes into cash cows with Kevin Hart and Liam Neeson.” He also funnily mentioned the controversial Will Smith Oscars slap: “What do you think? Who does Will Smith have to slap tonight for us to get some eyeballs, guys?”
The actor-comedian delivered cutting commentary on high-profile figures like tech mogul Elon Musk. He quipped, “You have picked someone to lead you, to make all of your decisions and be the most powerful person in the world, and I think you chose well. Yes, he says erratic things, but he’s intelligent, successful, and an amazing businessperson. Guys, Elon Musk is a legend.”
Comparing Musk’s leadership style to a self-driving Tesla, Vir said, “Technically it’s self-driving, but ultimately, I have control.” He added, “Keep Elon Musk happy. Alright? He will buy your platform and turn it into a podcast.”
He went on with his sarcasm in the monologue and warned his audience, “Please do not come up on this platform and say anything divisive, offensive, or inflammatory because this is America, and you will be elected. Sorry. Ejected.”
Vir Das’ monologue also had a Shah Rukh Khan connection. He used the iconic dialogue from the actor’s film Baazigar: “Haar ke jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hai.”
Speaking about facing more rejection than acceptance as an artiste, the comedian said, “There’s a line from Hindi movie that I love and it says, ‘Haar ke Jeetne waale ko Baazigar kehte hain’ and that essentially means to learn to conquer loss is the greatest victory of all.” He then quipped, “The guy who said that in the movie brutally murdered four people. That maybe you later after party. I only ask that you murder within your category.”
Post the official announcement of Vir Das as International Emmys’ host, the comedian released a statement that read: “Returning to the International Emmy Awards, this time as the host, is a deeply personal and exhilarating moment for me. The Emmys have always been a beacon of excellence and a celebration of diverse stories from around the world. Having won an Emmy last year for Landing, I feel a profound connection to this event and am incredibly honored to play a central role in it. I look forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of my peers and bringing a touch of humor and joy to this prestigious night.”
Vir had become the centre of attraction in 2021 when after wrapping up a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C, he recited a poem he had written that morning titled, “I Come from Two Indias.” The poem described the contradictions in the country. He said, “I come from an India where we worship women during the day and gang-rape them at night.”
This poem, however, didn’t go down well with several politicians filing FIRs against the actor-comedian. Others demanded his arrest for “insulting the country.” In his Emmy winning Netflix special, Vir shared how the controversy impacted his life.
Vir Das started his career as a standup comedian. He later moved to Bollywood with films like Badmaash Company, Delhi Belly, and Go Goa Gone, among others. In 2019, the actor-singer-comedian made his debut in American television with the series Whiskey Cavalier.
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