COMIC Relief

Fresh off his first Emmy win, Vir Das is busier than ever. But he's not complaining

- Barry Rodgers

Vir Das comes across as reticent, even reserved when he takes the stage for his comedy specials. He lures you in nice and easy with a seemingly innocuous joke and then jabs you with home truths before you know it. With most of his specials, including his Emmy-winning turn in Vir Das: Landing (on Netflix), Vir Das: Outside In, Two Indias, and Abroad Understanding, what particularly stands out is the adept manner in which he seamlessly shifts between audiences, tailoring the delivery to resonate with the crowd.

In a freewheeling chat with ELLE, Das talks about his Emmy win, why he’s a major disappointment offstage, and how he uses the audience’s reactions to determine how far he can push the envelope of decency.

ELLE: Congratulations on the Emmy win! It’s fascinating to learn that Emmy winners tend to  live an additional 2.7 years compared to nominees who miss out on the award. How does this newfound knowledge impact your mindset?

Vir Das (VD): I’ll gladly take another 2.7 years, no questions asked. It equates to an extra 250 shows. So, without hesitation, I’d opt for those 2.7 years and all the experiences they could bring.

ELLE: Does the win create a sense of expectation for you to surpass your earlier accomplishments?