Vir Das: The Comedian India Doesn’t Deserve
Though Vir Das did not win at the Emmy Awards his presence on the red carpet created waves all across. While celebrities walked away flaunting big designers like Dior, Valentino, and Armani, the humble Indian comedian took the opportunity of this international event to showcase an up-and-coming Indian fashion designer.
Das’ Emmys suit was designed by a student at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Pradeep Bhatt. He wore a black buttoned-down jacket with a white kurta and black pants. The comedian had earlier mentioned on his social media that he would auction the outfit for a charity after the event.
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Over the last decade, Vir Das has not only made a name for himself in the global comedy circle but has also made sure that his country is well represented wherever he goes. Being nominated for his hit Netflix comedy special ‘Vir Das: For India’ reiterates how precisely he has been able to touch the audience on an international level.
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On the other hand, he has been facing a huge backlash over his viral “Two Indias” monologue at the Kennedy Centre in Washington recently. In an interview with NDTV, he said it is his job to put out satire and he will continue to write “love letters to my country” as long as he is able to do comedy.
In the six-minute clip from the Kennedy Centre performance that has been widely shared and has sharply divided social media, Vir Das describes two contrasting faces of the country and refers to many controversial topics – from the Delhi gang-rape to the farmer protests to pollution – in broad strokes.
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No one can deny that Vir Das has been an exceptional performer. Over the last few years, where Indians have turned towards comedians to know about the real news rather than listening to media channels that act as government lapdogs, Das has been one of the leading heroes in the game.
Sure, he will continue to impress with his work – because that’s what he does best. But the question remains – when will India, as a nation, recognize Vir Das’s true value?
