'You are not looking good, bro': Comedian Vir Das spills the beans on 'Alpha Dog' hero who got insecure of his makeup

Economic Times

14-07-2025

Synopsis
Comedian-actor Vir Das recently revealed an incident on a podcast where a senior actor, seemingly insecure, criticized his makeup. Das recounted how the actor made a snide remark about his appearance, implying his makeup was poorly done.
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While catfights among actresses grab headlines, male stars are just as capable of petty rivalries. On a recent podcast, comedian-actor Vir Das revealed that a senior actor once displayed extreme insecurity and passive-aggressive behavior in an attempt to outshine him and assert dominance on set. Although 'catfights' and cold wars between actresses are more widely covered in pop culture, actors/male stars can and actually do give their female peers a run for their money when it comes to petty fights. In a recent podcast, comedian-actor Vir Das opened up on how a senior actor tried to one-up him and proved to be incredibly insecure and passive-aggressive. In a candid chat with hosts Sakshi Shivdasani and Naina Bhan on the podcast 'Moment Of Silence,' the 'Delhi Belly' star spoke at length of a popular actor who got extremely insecure about his makeup and took a dig at his appearance. Although he did not take any names, he implied that the actor always wanted to make an impression and prove that he was the big shot.
"Usually... if a guy needs to prove he's an alpha dog... he isn't. The strongest guys are usually super chill an don't need to try and prove themselves. I was working with a hero, and one of my friends was a top makeup artist. She made my base foundation... The guy took one look at me and said, ' Tera face bohot kharap lag raha hain bro, tu bohot chalky lag raha hai.. . (You are looking terrible; she made your foundation extremely chalky.) You are not looking good, bro... not looking nice!"Das refused to rise up to the occasion and thanked him calmly. But four months later, the star's makeup artist approached him and requested him to divulge his makeup artist, as the actor had been reprimanding him for his makeup not being as top-notch as Vir's. Vir Das is a multifaceted Indian entertainer, known for his work as a stand-up comedian, film actor, and musician. His creative journey began in the world of stand-up comedy, where his sharp wit and stage presence quickly earned him recognition. His early success on stage paved the way for his transition into Bollywood, where he began to appear in a range of popular films.Das made his mark in the Indian film industry with notable supporting roles in several hit movies. He featured in the crime caper Badmaash Company (2010), the offbeat comedy Delhi Belly (2011), and the zombie-themed adventure Go Goa Gone (2013), all of which highlighted his unique comedic timing and on-screen versatility.In 2017, Vir Das expanded his global reach by performing Abroad Understanding, his first international comedy special released on Netflix. This marked a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to connect with audiences beyond India through a blend of observational humor and personal storytelling.Over the years, Das has built a remarkably diverse portfolio. He has taken part in nearly 35 theatrical productions, performed at more than 100 stand-up comedy events across various countries, and acted in around 18 films. In addition to his work in cinema and on stage, he has also featured in eight television series and headlined six solo comedy specials.Beyond performing, Vir Das has also showcased his talent as a writer. He has contributed humorous and thought-provoking columns to leading magazines and publications such as Femina, Maxim, Exotica, DNA, and Tehelka. These writings often reflect his satirical take on social issues and everyday life.In 2019, Das entered the American television space with his debut in the action-comedy series Whiskey Cavalier. This opportunity marked another turning point in his international career, proving his adaptability and appeal across different entertainment formats and cultures.
One of the most defining moments of his professional life came in 2023 when he won the International Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series. This prestigious honor was awarded for his Netflix special Vir Das: Landing, a performance that blended humor with bold commentary on identity, culture, and freedom of expression.