logo
India on precipice of amazing, undeniable global soft power: Comedian Vir Das

India on precipice of amazing, undeniable global soft power: Comedian Vir Das

News1820-07-2025
New York, Jul 20 (PTI) India is on the precipice of an 'amazing, undeniable" global soft power whose 'guardians" in equal measure are both those living in the homeland as well as the Indian diaspora, Emmy-Award winning comedian and actor Vir Das has said.
'I think something that the diaspora does really well is protect culture," Das said here during a special interaction hosted at Asia Society.
Das, who won the 2023 International Emmy for Best Comedy for his comedy special 'Landing', said amid applause and laughter from the audience at the event that what he finds 'lovely" about the Indian diaspora is that while they have an American accent and American values, but 'at your shaadi, you (dance) to 'Mehendi laga ke rakhna'.
The Asia Society event on Thursday was presented in collaboration with global media platform, community and agency South Asian Trailblazers and was held on the eve of the premiere of Das's latest comedy special 'Vir Das: Fool Volume'.
'India is on the precipice of an amazing, undeniable global soft power, and it only translates when the bridge happens from me to you. So we are both ends carrying that soft power," Das said, a message for the Indian diaspora settled across the world.
'We are both guardians of India's soft power at an equal level." Citing the example of Indian actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh, who became the first Punjabi singer to perform at the popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in 2023, Das said, 'When Diljit performs at Coachella, that is an amazing, undeniable thing." 'The diaspora has to show up to pack Coachella. When he shows up in India, we'll pack it for him. But when he comes to Coachella, show up, for modern Indian culture," he said.
Responding to a question during the interactive Q&A session with the audience on what are some of the things the next generation should adopt from the current one, Das said one would be to know 'that India is far more open-minded than you think it is. I say this with all due respect to the diaspora.
' Sometimes you are raised in a time capsule version of India, that is the last version of India that your parents left behind, and that India doesn't exist anymore," he said to applause from the audience.
Das added that 'You are raised in more conservative households than we are, many times. So, please come and visit modern India." 'Come and visit a place that does everything from Diljit to Mika to 'RRR' to 'Hanumankind'," Das said, referring to the popular Indian artists, the blockbuster movie which won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 2023 Academy Awards for 'Naatu, Naatu' and the India-born rapper Sooraj Cherukat.
Das underlined that there are things happening in India right now that kids of the Indian diaspora need to know.
'The second thing is that it is okay to be flawed. I feel like children who are raised in the diaspora, you are under tremendous pressure to have model minority behaviour, more so than kids who are raised back home" because opportunities are far more scarce.
'It is a smaller community here, but try and create the abundance mindset that you had when there were a billion jobs for you. I know that there are fewer jobs, that's a very tough mindset to create, but I think your child would be better served by creating that mindset," Das said. PTI YAS NSA NSA
view comments
First Published:
July 20, 2025, 10:30 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Phone jammers, masked guards': Zohran Mamdani's lavish wedding in spotlight; three-day bash held under tight security
‘Phone jammers, masked guards': Zohran Mamdani's lavish wedding in spotlight; three-day bash held under tight security

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

‘Phone jammers, masked guards': Zohran Mamdani's lavish wedding in spotlight; three-day bash held under tight security

Image courtesy: AFP Zohran Mamdani , an Indian-origin mayoral candidate in New York, recently celebrated his wedding to artist and animator Rama Duwaji with a lavish three-day event at his family's expansive estate in Uganda. The festivities, held in the upscale Buziga Hill neighborhood near Kampala, were shrouded in secrecy and featured fortress-like security measures, including multiple security gates, armed guards in masks, and a phone-jamming device, as reported by the New York Post. Mamdani, 33, who was born in Uganda, eloped with 27-year-old Duwaji in February. He moved to New York at the age of seven and became a US citizen in 2018. The couple, who met on the dating app Hinge, now reside in a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria. Zohran's father, Mahmood Mamdani, owns the property in one of Uganda's wealthiest areas, home to prominent figures like billionaire businessman Godfrey Kirumira. Inside the lavish wedding party The Mamdani estate was transformed into a vibrant party venue for the occasion, with music and Christmas lights adorning the garden's tree canopy. According to the report, upscale buses and luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes and a Range Rover, were seen arriving at the compound. The estate, situated on two acres of lush grounds with a sweeping view of Lake Victoria, is in a neighborhood where homes can easily sell for over $1 million. Zohran's affluent parents, Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, also divide their time between this Ugandan property, New York, and New Delhi. Beefed-up security in place "Outside the Mamdani house were more than 20 special forces command unit guards, some in masks, and there was a phone-jamming system set up—all for the strictly invite-only Mamdani event... One gate had around nine guards stationed at it,' the report quoted a source as saying. The party reportedly concluded around midnight, with Mamdani addressing his guests later in the evening. After the festivities ended on Friday, military-style tents were dismantled, and security officers, believed to be Mamdani's personal guards, took over at the gates.

Tom Lehrer passes away at 97: Remembering the satirical songwriter and math professor with a witty charm– Read inside
Tom Lehrer passes away at 97: Remembering the satirical songwriter and math professor with a witty charm– Read inside

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Tom Lehrer passes away at 97: Remembering the satirical songwriter and math professor with a witty charm– Read inside

Tom Lehrer was a famous American musician, songwriter, and math professor known for his funny and clever songs. He used humour to talk about serious topics like politics, religion, and education. He passed away at the age of 97 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The news of Tom Lehrer's demise was confirmed by his longtime friend David Herder to the New York Times. The sharp-witted musician and mathematician was known for his dark and funny songs like 'The Masochism Tango,' 'The Vatican Rag,' and 'The Elements'. Tom Lehrer's life journey Lehrer wasn't just a musical talent; he was also a brilliant mathematician. While he gained a cult following for his clever and often controversial songs, he continued to work as a math professor at Harvard and later at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He once joked that he didn't need to rely on music for a living and could easily make a teacher's salary instead. Born in New York into a Jewish family, Lehrer showed talent early, learning piano at the age of 7 and entering Harvard at just 15. He graduated with top honours and earned a master's degree shortly after. In 1953, he recorded his first album Songs of Tom Lehrer for just $40. The album, featuring humorous and satirical songs, quickly became popular among college students and sold over 10,000 copies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo After serving in the Army, he released 'More of Tom Lehrer' in 1959, which included some of his best-known songs like 'The Elements' and 'Poisoning Pigeons in the Park'. His style was edgy, and he was grouped with other bold comedians of the time like Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl. His live shows were famously titled 'An Evening Wasted With Tom Lehrer.' In 1965, Lehrer gained national fame through the show 'That Was the Week That Was'. His album 'That Was the Year That Was' became a hit in a short period. The songs poked fun at politics, religion, war, and education with sharp humour. He also wrote songs for the children's show 'The Electric Company' and supported political campaigns like George McGovern's in 1972. Later in life, Lehrer stepped away from the spotlight and focused on teaching math and musical theatre. He never married and had no children, but his witty and intelligent songs continue to inspire and entertain generations.

Edelweiss CEO and Shark Tank India judge Radhika Gupta calls out Dior for no credit to India for Mukaish Overcoat: Says, time to ...
Edelweiss CEO and Shark Tank India judge Radhika Gupta calls out Dior for no credit to India for Mukaish Overcoat: Says, time to ...

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Edelweiss CEO and Shark Tank India judge Radhika Gupta calls out Dior for no credit to India for Mukaish Overcoat: Says, time to ...

Radhika Gupta (ANI) Edelweiss CEO and Shark Tank India judge Radhika Gupta has once again called a luxury brand. After Prada, Gupta has now critised luxury fashion brand Dior for allegedly failing to give credit to India for its traditional 'Mukaish' embroidery. In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) Gupta has publicly criticised Dior for selling Rs 1.7 crore ($200,000) overcoat with Lucknowi Mukaish embroidery without acknowledging the Indian artisans . Gupta's public statement on social media highlights a growing demand for global brands to acknowledge the origins and artisans behind traditional crafts. Read Radhika Gupta's social media post here In the post Gupta expressed her frustration over what she called 'blatant cultural appropriation ,' revealing that the intricate embroidery was crafted by 12 Indian artisans over 34 days, yet the brand gave no credit, no context, and no mention of India 'One more handloom, one more headline. Dior sells a $200K coat using Lucknowi mukaish embroidery. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo 12 Indian artisans. 34 days of work. No credit. No context. No mention of India. The world loves Indian craftsmanship — But rarely credits the craftspeople. And almost never shares the value. Because the branding, storytelling, and pricing power stay elsewhere. The hand that creates remains invisible. Culture is soft power. Japan did it with design. Korea did it with pop culture. India must do it with craft. From sourcing destination to storytelling nation. A home of global brands. The lion has to come out. And roar,' wrote Gupta. Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta on Prada Kolahpuris controversy This is not the first time that Radhika Gupta has called out a luxury fashion brand. Recently, the Edelweiss CEO criticised Prada for showcasing scandals that resemble closely to India's traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Gupta has criticised Prada for not giving the due credit to the original artisans. Her remarks soon went viral on social media calling for the recognition and preservation of India's textile heritage . Gupta shared a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) in which she criticised Prada. '500 rupee chappal sold for 1 lakh, without any credit! This is why I am obsessed with wearing and talking about handlooms. Every child knows who Prada and Gucci are, but very few in a room know a Himroo, Sambalpuri or Narayanpet. Our textile heritage and craftsmanship is for us to preserve, brand and benefit from. As for Prada... Remember that till the lion learns to write, all stories will always glorify the hunter.' wrote Gupta. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store