Latest news with #DisruptorAward
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vir Das says he gets described like Covid-19 by the paparazzi, fans love his hilarious acceptance speech at IFFM 2025
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 hosted its annual awards night on Friday, giving prizes to the best in Indian cinema and streaming from 2024-25. Comedian and actor Vir Das was honoured with the Disruptor Award, and he took the stage to deliver a hilarious acceptance speech, comparing himself to Covid-19. Vir posted the clip of his acceptance speech on his Instagram account. Vir Das shared that it was his honour to get the Disruptor Award at IFFM. Vir Das at IFFM Accepting the award on stage, Vir began his speech by saying, 'My name is Vir Das. I think this award answers the question that I have been asking myself, which many of you are asking yourself… which is, what is a random tiny comedian doing at a film festival? The answer is he is disrupting it. I want to thank IFFM and the Victorian government- you are not the first government to call me disruptive.' 'I get described like Covid-19' He continued, 'I am not accomplished enough or talented enough to be at this festival with the people that you see here tonight. It is like they are your main dish, and I am your kadi patta (curry leaves). You will see the difference if you don't believe me when we all go home on the flight to Mumbai please watch the paparazzi caption for all of these famous people. They will say Aamir Khan returned home looking wonderful and refreshed with his family. Malaika Arora wore a wonderful jacket, she got into a green SUV looking happy, and mine while say, 'Vir Das is back!' I get described like Covid-19!' The audience cheered for Vir as he continued his speech, where he thanked the film festival for the honour. He concluded, 'I think humour is disruptive to the things that divide us. It is an honour to make people laugh, and so as long as anyone is willing to put my name on the side of a building in Australia, I promise I will show up. I hope you will show up too, and we can disrupt each other's lives. It is an honour to be your Kadi patta guys, thank you so much.' Fan reactions Reacting to Vir's speech, a fan commented, 'Vir doing what Vir does best! Making people laugh, with some poignant food for thought thrown in!' Another said, 'Who knew a kadi patta could carry so much weight? Only Vir 'The Ultimate Disruptor'.' Someone said, 'If humility, sarcasm, and intelligent humour had a face.' 'Beautifully said @virdas! What a brilliant speech- hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time! Something only you can do,' read another comment. Fool Volume, Vir's standup special, was released on Netflix on July 18.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vir Das's hilarious acceptance speech goes viral; Says while Aamir Khan gets a catchy caption, paps describe him as 'Covid -19'
Vir Das , the actor and comedian, recently won the Disruptor Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Known for his witty charm and word play, as he went on the stage to accept his award, his hilarious speech left everyone laughing; and needless to say, it went viral in no time. Vir Das jokes about being described 'like COVID-19' During his acceptance speech for the Disruptor Award, the star joked about how his return to India will be treated like any other news, and will mostly be treated like COVID news. While talking about his status, he joked about how he is nothing compared to the other big names that were present at the awards, and that "I am your kadi patta" (curry leaf), while everyone else is the main course. His comments managed to spark a lot of laughter from the crowd, as well as from netizens around the world, who praised his unique take on the award. While talking about this, he also added that people should watch how the media covers the winners of the festival. 'They will say Aamir Khan returns home looking wonderful, refreshed with his family. Malaika Arora wore a wonderful jacket. She got into a green SUV, looking happy. Mine will say 'Vir Das is back'. I get described like COVID-19," he added in his speech. He ended his speech with a high note by saying, 'Humour is disruptive to the things that divide us', after which he thanked everyone and shared that he is glad to be with everyone and 'be their kadi patta'. Fan reactions The comedian also shared the video of his acceptance speech on his social media handles, after which it gained a lot of traction and ended up going viral. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Many fans and netizens alike commented on the post, praising the star for how he managed to make everyone laugh with an acceptance speech and how deserving he is. One comment under the post read, 'Kadi patta is the BOMB bro', while another person shared, 'Only he can create a whole set on an award speech…u really inspire me to break comfort zone and challenge the stereotypes…way to go!!!!'. Actor Nakuul Mehta also commented under the post and praised him by saying, 'Stellar Das'. Comedian Vishal Jadon also took this opportunity to joke about the matter himself, and commented under the video that, 'Bhai mast English bolte ho, International call center me job karoge? 18K in hand with cab facility' (You speak amazing English, will you work in an International call center?). "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Vir Das Jokes He Is ‘Described Like COVID-19' In Paparazzi Captions: ‘They'll Say Aamir Khan…'
Vir Das' hilarious acceptance speech after winning Disruptor Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 is unmissable! Comedian-actor Vir Das recently won the 'Disruptor Award' at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. Among the other winners across various categories at the prestigious film festival were Aamir Khan, Neeraj Ghaywan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aditi Rao Hydari. Vir Das has now shared a video of his acceptance speech after winning the award at IFFM 2025, and it is going viral! In the heartfelt yet humorous speech, he hilariously described himself as the 'kadi patta', while the others were the main course. He joked that once they return to India, the paparazzi will describe stars like Aamir Khan and Malaika Arora in flattering ways, while his return will just be called 'Vir Das is back' — like COVID-19. In his viral speech at IFFM, Vir Das said, 'My name is Vir Das. I think this award answers the question I have been asking myself. And many of you are asking yourself. Which is 'what is a random tiny comedian doing in a massive film festival?' And the answer is, 'He is disrupting it'." He further added, 'I am not accomplished enough or talented enough to be at this festival with the people you see here tonight. It's like they are your main dish and I am your kadi patta. You will see the difference. If you don't believe me, when we all go home on the flight to Mumbai, please watch the paparazzi captions for all of these famous people." 'They will say Aamir Khan returns home looking wonderful, refreshed with his family. Malaika Arora wore a wonderful jacket. She got into a green SUV looking happy. Mine will say 'Vir Das is back'. I get described like COVID-19," he hilariously shared. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vir Das (@virdas) Soon after Vir Das shared the video of his speech, netizens congratulated him and praised his humour. 'I wouldn't mind a load of this #kadipatta Congratulations Vir," read one comment on the post, while another one read, 'Only a certain @virdas can go to take an award & give back with satire & laughs." 'I wish we could all be kadi patta in our own way….you Rock bro …. Congratulations," read a third comment. Vir Das, who made history as the first Indian comedian to win the prestigious International Emmy Award in 2024 for his special Landing, has made a global comeback with Fool Volume—his sixth stand-up special which premiered worldwide on Netflix last month. view comments First Published: August 16, 2025, 12:11 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.
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘I'm not afraid of anything': Vir Das drops mic on Australian cricket team, politicians and Bollywood
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 celebrated its annual awards night on August 15. It recognised excellence in Indian cinema and streaming content from 2024–25. Among the highlights was comedian Vir Das winning the Disruptor Award. 'I want to thank IFFM and the Victorian government. You are not the first government to call me disruptive,' Vir Das said. In his witty acceptance speech, he said he had often wondered what a 'tiny random comedian' was doing at a huge film festival. 'It's like, they are your main dish, and I am your kadi patta,' he said. Das also joked about paparazzi coverage of Bollywood celebrities' homecoming from the award ceremony. He compared it to how they would report his return. 'Aamir Khan returned home looking wonderful and refreshed with his family. Malaika Arora wore a wonderful jacket. She got into her green SUV, looking happy. Mine will say, 'Vir Das is back'. I get described like COVID-19,' the standup comedian said. Vir Das spoke about his long journey of 17 years, comparing it humorously to the flight time from Melbourne to Mumbai. He teased about why the Australian cricket team would look cranky after landing because of the long flight. 'Also because our team is way better than yours. I'm on a tourist visa, I'm not afraid of anything,' he quipped. According to Vir Das, comedians do not rely on big studios or heavy budgets but only on stories and words that connect with people across the world. What makes his work disruptive, according to him, is how humour cuts through barriers of race, religion, sexuality, politics and age. 'I wish every film star here and politician would get to see what I see when you see what I see from the stage,' Das said. When audiences laugh together, they share a common language that goes beyond differences. 'Humour is disruptive to the things that divide us," Vir Das said. 'You were the highlight of the award show last night, Vir. If you're the disruptor, stability doesn't interest me anymore,' one social media user said. 'Vir doing what Vir does best! Making people laugh, with some poignant food for thought thrown in,' posted another. 'If humility sarcasm and intelligent humour had a face,' came from another.
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Charting a Bold Future: VENU CEO J.W. Roth Discusses Key Initiatives, Partnerships, and Expansion Achievements in Letter to Shareholders
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or the 'Company') (NYSE American: VENU), a developer, owner, and operator of upscale live music venues and premium hospitality destinations, today announced a letter to shareholders from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer J.W. Roth. With our venue pipeline expanding, nationally recognized partners joining our mission, and a differentiated model that combines real estate, hospitality, and entertainment, VENU is entering its next phase with momentum—and with you, our shareholders, at th Dear Fellow Shareholders: We have experienced a significantly productive six weeks since our first quarter 2025 earnings call back in May, marked by meaningful momentum, bold initiatives, and strategic moves that are rapidly shaping the future of VENU. Through the successful launch of our fan-forward Reg A+ Preferred Stock Offering, significant new partnerships including Aramark Sports + Entertainment (Aramark) and Billboard, groundbreaking progress at our Sunset Amphitheaters, and impactful community contributions made possible by your continued support, we're not just redefining live entertainment—we're elevating it. Validating the Model: Strategic Partners Align with VENU's Vision This quarter, two nationally recognized brands—Aramark and Billboard—took meaningful steps to align themselves with VENU's long-term vision. Their support reinforces the credibility of our business model and highlights the strategic value of our growing national footprint. On June 10, we announced long-term multi-venue management agreement, which included an equity investment, with Aramark Sports + Entertainment, one of the most trusted names in venue operations. Aramark will lead food, beverage, merchandise, and facilities management at several of our flagship venues, including at our McKinney, and Broken Arrow amphitheaters, and our Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs. Their partnership reinforces our venues' scalability and our premium positioning, and it will meaningfully enhance both fan experience and operating efficiency. The following day, we unveiled a multi-faceted partnership with Billboard, the definitive voice of the music industry. Through this collaboration, VENU will activate across key Billboard events and platforms, amplifying our differentiated 'fan-founded, fan-owned' model while also debuting the Disruptor Award. This partnership elevates VENU's national brand presence, connects us to the heart of artist and industry culture, and further strengthens our visibility among future fans and future shareholders. Don't just take it from me, hear it from Editor and Chief of Billboard, Hannah Karp. Scaling Our Footprint: Building High-Value Assets in Strategic Growth Markets VENU continues to execute on its real estate-first growth strategy, advancing a high-impact development pipeline across strategically selected markets. Each new venue represents a scalable, revenue-generating asset designed to drive long-term shareholder value through diversified income streams and increased brand equity. In McKinney, Texas, we officially broke ground on what will become the largest venue in our portfolio: the 20,000-seat Sunset Amphitheater powered by EIGHT Elite Light Beer. The groundbreaking event featured performances by Evan Felker of Turnpike Troubadours and Robert Earl Keen, showcasing the cultural weight this project already carries. With a projected opening in Q3 2026, McKinney will serve as a cornerstone for our Texas expansion and a flagship property for national touring acts. Development of our venue in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma continues to advance rapidly and is already gaining attention from top national promoters and agencies. Discussions are well underway to secure a marquee line up for the inaugural season, targeted to begin Q2 2026. In El Paso, Texas, VENU is filling a major geographic gap in national tour routing with a new multi-seasonal amphitheater scheduled to open in Q4 2026. Demand from artists and fans is accelerating, and we've launched bilingual marketing efforts to further engage the growing Latin music audience. Early response to Luxe FireSuite and Aikman Club offerings has been overwhelming, demonstrating strong local interest and investor appetite. Since the beginning of the year, we've continued to expand our pathways to Luxe FireSuite fractional ownership, introducing structured financing options and, most recently, launching a strategic partnership with Sands Investment Group to offer nationwide triple net (NNN) real estate opportunities. This quarter also marked the addition of two emerging markets to our development roadmap. In Centennial, Colorado, we are moving forward with plans for a high-end, indoor music venue in one of the state's most trafficked commercial intersections. And, for the very first time, Centennial will feature an innovative indoor version of VENU's signature Luxe FireSuites, available for fractional ownership opportunities. Meanwhile in Houston, TX, our team has narrowed down potential sites with updates expected in the coming months. As we scale, each new venue increases our asset base, diversifies our revenue, and builds a platform for multi-market brand leverage. Community Investment with Strategic Return While our core mission is creating unforgettable live entertainment experiences, we believe the strongest brands are built on purpose. Through the VENU Arts and Culture Foundation, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we invest in the communities that support our venues—building goodwill, increasing local engagement, and laying the groundwork for long-term loyalty and market resonance. This quarter, with the support of our investor community, the Foundation awarded its first grants: Rock Academy at ACL – new instruments for aspiring student musicians El Pomar Youth Sports Park – funding for two large-scale murals Palmer Lake Arts Council – installation of public sculptures These efforts enhance our standing with local stakeholders and differentiate VENU as a values-driven operator, benefits that are both socially meaningful and strategically sound. Growing Recognition from Top Media Outlets As VENU's momentum accelerates, our story continues to attract attention from leading national outlets, further validating our business model, leadership team, and long-term market opportunity. Recent coverage includes: These spotlights reflect growing industry recognition and increased awareness across investor, artist, and fan communities. Expanding Investor Access with Reg A+ Offering Earlier in June, we launched our Regulation A+ 8.0% Convertible Preferred Stock Offering, designed to expand investor access and broaden participation in VENU's long-term growth. This offering enables both accredited and non-accredited investors to become equity holders while receiving exclusive loyalty perks based on investment level, ranging from complimentary concert tickets to VIP experiences and autographed memorabilia. Recently announced, shares can now be purchased using eligible retirement accounts, offering a tax-advantaged pathway to invest in VENU's future. This offering reflects our continued commitment to inclusive ownership and shareholder alignment. With our venue pipeline expanding, nationally recognized partners joining our mission, and a differentiated model that combines real estate, hospitality, and entertainment, VENU is entering its next phase with momentum—and with you, our shareholders, at the center of it. We'll continue to keep you informed as our story unfolds. Until then, thank you for your belief in what we're building. Onward, J.W. Roth Founder, Chairman & CEO Venu Holding Corporation About Venu Holding Corporation Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU") (NYSE American: VENU), founded by Colorado Springs entrepreneur J.W. Roth, is a premier hospitality and live music venue developer dedicated to building luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. VENU's campuses in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Gainesville, Georgia, each feature Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, and unique to Colorado Springs, Notes Eatery and the 9,750-seat Ford Amphitheater. Expanding with new Sunset Amphitheaters in Oklahoma and Texas, VENU's upcoming large-scale venues will host between 12,500 and 20,000 guests, continuing VENU's vision of redefining the live entertainment experience. Click here for company overview. VENU has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Denver Post, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for its innovative and disruptive approach to live entertainment. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as AEG Presents and NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Elite Light Beer, Troy Aikman, VENU continues to shape the future of the entertainment landscape. For more information, visit VENU's website, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Disclaimer: VENU is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. Before making any investment, you are urged to read the Final Offering Circular carefully for a more complete understanding of the issuer and the offering. There is no guarantee of return, and you should only invest money that you can afford to lose. Use proper risk management when considering this investment. The offering documents may include 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee accuracy. Although we believe our expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that they will be realized. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the risks and uncertainties set forth in the attached materials, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results set forth in such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law. The securities offered by VENU are highly speculative. Investing in these securities involves significant risks. The investment is suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. VENU intends to apply to have our Series A Preferred Stock listed on the NYSE American under the symbol 'VENUP' following the NYSE American's certification of the Form 8-A of the Company to be filed after the final closing of this offering. The listing of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE American is not a condition of the Company's proceeding with this offering, and no assurance can be given that our application to list on the NYSE American will be approved or that an active trading market for our Series A Preferred Stock will develop. Our Series A Preferred Stock is not currently listed or quoted on any exchange. For additional information on VENU, the offering and any other related topics, please review the Form 1-A offering circular that can be found by searching for VENU under Filings/Company filings search on Additional information concerning Risk Factors related to the offering, including those related to the business, government regulations, intellectual property and the offering in general, can be found in the risk factor section of the Form 1-A offering circular.
