Vir Das to Make History as First Indian to Host International Emmy Awards in 2024

Actor and stand-up comedian Vir Das will become the first Indian to host the prestigious 2024 International Emmy Awards, as announced by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The awards ceremony is set to take place on November 25 in New York City.

Vir Das, who was previously nominated for an International Emmy in the Comedy category in 2021 and won the award in 2023 for his Netflix comedy special Landing, will serve as the presenter this year.

“We’re delighted to welcome back Vir Das to our stage and to add International Emmy host to his impressive list of talents,” said Bruce L. Paisner, president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Excited about this new role, Das expressed his gratitude on Instagram, saying, “Thanks to your support, an Indian Emmy Host, I can’t wait to host the @iemmys this year! Crazy. Thank you for having me. Tremendously honoured and excited!”

About

Vir Das was born on May 31, 1979, in Dehradun, India, and spent his formative years in Nigeria before moving back to India for higher education. He studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, and later attended Knox College in Illinois, USA, where he pursued a degree in Economics and Theatre. He further trained in acting at the prestigious Harvard University.

Das is widely recognized as one of the trailblazers of stand-up comedy in India. He gained popularity for his relatable humour, often infused with social and political undertones. He performed his first-ever stand-up special Brown Men Can’t Hump in the U.S., followed by numerous sold-out shows globally.

He became a household name in India through his live performances and comedy specials like Vir Das: For India and Vir Das: Landing, both on Netflix. The latter won him an International Emmy Award in 2023 for Best Comedy, and the former received an International Emmy nomination in 2021. His unique comedic style often blends satire, self-reflection, and cultural critiques, making him stand out as a voice of modern India.

Film and Television Career

Apart from his stand-up career, Vir Das has made significant contributions to Indian cinema and international television. His film debut came in the 2007 Bollywood movie Namastey London, and he has since appeared in movies like Delhi Belly, Go Goa Gone, and Badmaash Company. He also featured in Hollywood productions like Judd Apatow’s The Bubble.

In television, Das has developed, produced, and starred in shows across platforms. Some of his notable works include the spy dramedy Whiskey Cavalier on Netflix, Destination Unknown on Prime Video, and Hasmokh on Netflix. His versatile acting skills and ability to shift between comedy and drama have earned him praise in both industries.

International Acclaim

Vir Das is one of the few Indian comedians to achieve significant success on the global stage. His comedy tours have taken him around the world, including his highly popular Mind Fool tour, and he frequently performs at international venues, including the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Das has also appeared on U.S. talk shows such as Conan and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.