Vir Das to be honored at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne: ‘Incredibly humbling' moment for the comedian'
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which is scheduled to return for its 16th glorious edition from August 14 to 24, 2025, has announced that
Vir Das
, an Emmy Award-winning comedian and actor, will be one of its special guests.
This year's festival, which is renowned for introducing the finest Indian film and talent to Australian audiences, promises an intriguing schedule of films, masterclasses, stimulating discussions, and celebrity appearances.
At IFFM, Vir Das will receive special praise in honor of his contributions to the Indian entertainment industry and to the globalization of Indian comedy.
Vir's presence at IFFM will be a celebration of Indian creativity on a global scale, from selling out international venues to producing genre-defining specials.
'It's incredibly humbling to be recognized by IFFM, a festival that celebrates the diversity and strength of Indian storytelling," he said in reference to the honor. "Comedy has always been my lens to view the world, and to be able to share that journey with audiences across the globe—and now be celebrated for it—is truly special.
I'm looking forward to being part of the festival and engaging with fellow artists and film lovers in Melbourne."
The comedian-actor also responded to the news and shared it on his Instagram. 'Morning thoughts as I read this article—firstly, I will be FOR SURE be the dumbest person in the room. Also, I'm being called all that way and I don't have to do any work? Comedians don't normally get invited to film festivals unless we are performing or writing jokes for stars. Once, a long time ago at a festival, I had a 'credible critic' go, 'What are YOU doing here?' Slight frown, slightly uptight," he wrote.
He remarked, 'I said, 'Oh! I'm writing for ********. They're hosting." They said, 'That makes sense," and walked away. Later that night, I saw them inhaling a paneer Kathi roll. I thought, 'That makes sense." Point is, amongst great filmmakers, I'm used to feeling intimidated. never really felicitated. So I'm going to Melbourne, nervous. Maybe I'll pop into a comedy show somewhere after, be a fool, let a crowd slap me around.
They'll make it all make sense."
In 2025, Vir is expected to make his directorial debut as co-director of Happy Patel, which is being produced by Aamir Khan Films. He will also make his writing debut with his book The Outsider.
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