Global comedian Vir Das on the 'core emotion' that runs through all of his work

Vir Das has achieved many things. Defining himself as an "outsider" throughout his life, he spent his school years across Nigeria, Mumbai, and the US before finding solace in theatre at university. 

Then he made his way into the Bollywood industry, first as a backup dancer and later an actor before finding his footing in stand-up comedy. 

Now with over 100 stand-up comedy shows, over film and TV show credits, a new book, and seven Netflix comedy specials – one of which won him an International Emmy Award – he is considered by many as the "face of Indian comedy" for his thought-provoking, and at times controversial, approach to the art form.

Watch the video above

READ MORE: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan shares 'formula' for his global success

Despite all of his success, he insists, "I've just written the joke.

"I'm just trying to make you laugh and I'm trying to change a mental map in your mind. And should you go home with a thought? I feel like you've done the heavy lifting there as an audience member, not me," he tells 9honey.

"It's very flattering to get credit for how intelligent your audience is, because the thoughts come from them.

"I think you're giving us too much credit," he says of himself and his comedian peers. 

READ MORE: How DPR Ian went from a Wollongong teen to K-pop idol

READ MORE: Aussie Sam Hammington became a star in South Korea, only to be outshined by his kids

The 46-year-old is known around the globe for telling it like it is, whether it be ordinary observations or biting commentary that has even led to politicians filing multiple complaints against him – namely, his famous monologue Two Indias, which highlights the stark contrast between the more and less privileged people of the nation. 

The comedian says he doesn't set out to create controversy. In fact, he says, "I try and base my work around the idea of home. If you're at my comedy show, you should go home feeling the feeling of home in your heart.

"I think that's a core emotion that runs through all of my work," he says. 

No doubt it's a notion that has allowed audiences around the world to resonate with his material. Das has achieved what few other artists in India have – building a large profile outside of the nation, particularly in the west with his Emmy award. 

But he says the stamp of approval from Hollywood is not something he has ever ascribed to. 

READ MORE: It terrifies A-listers, but Aussie comedian Nazeem Hussain isn't fazed

"I think if you make it to an audience that enjoys your work, whether that audience is in the west or the east, finding people who appreciate your art and who understand your art is it. I don't particularly care where they come from," he said.  

"My career is the product of the kindness of strangers."

One western honour he is proud to achieve, though, is the Disruptor Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. 

For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here

He recently journeyed Down Under to attend the event and speak about his journey from a local star to a global one.  

But wherever he may be, he believes, "as the world kind of becomes smaller, it becomes more important to do you and to be authentic." 

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.

Nine Entertainment Co (the publisher of this website) owns and operates the streaming service Stan.

------------------------------------

Title: Global comedian Vir Das on the 'core emotion' that runs through all of his work
Sourced From: celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/vir-das-exclusive-interview-indian-film-festival-melbourne/a5f1c2ef-21d2-49ae-97ac-271d1df7a833
Published Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:08:00 GMT