Famous comedian Jimmy Kimmel once again has been chosen as the host of the Oscars, the most awaited award show in the world of cinema. A very well-known Indian comedian Vir Das expressed his views on why comedians don’t host Indian award shows. He has also been candid about benefiting from comedians as presenter rather than big stars at the awards show.
India’s biggest award shows such as the Filmfare Awards, the star screen awards and the Zee Cine awards are usually hosted by big stars unlike Hollywood. Not only this, from India’s biggest Ramp shows to any entertainment ceremony, Bollywood stars and actors play a key role in the entire event. Other recreational occupations are rarely given importance. Comedian Vir Das has shared a note about that.
Vir Das is a popular name in the stand-up comedy with his successful shows on huge platforms . During the lockdown in 2020 he was on Netflix in a one-hour special show called ‘Vir Das: Outside In’. He also worked in Bollywood by acting in movies like ‘Badmaash Company’ and ‘Go Goa Gone’.
Vir mentioned it in his Instagram post on Thursday that how most of the big stars are roped in to host the big award shows in India.
Vir’s Point Of View
He wrote on his post,“Someone asked me today why comedians don’t host film awards in India. Now many comedians myself included have scripted every film award we have. The point of having comedians host the Oscars or film awards is that for a night, a jester would humanise the most beautiful chosen people in the world, since they were being celebrated already. That’s when any joke is a punch up.”
Talking about award shows, he wrote that a star’s ego is a big factor in Indian award shows. They don’t want to take jokes from people who aren’t on their level. The power imbalance affects the humor for the audience.
“The bigger the star hosting, the trickier it is. So a huge star works for people in the hosting room. It’s only fun if the host is underpowered, So you’re deciding between who you want the show to be funny for. The viewers, or the winners.” He noted.
Reactions on Vir Das’ note
Many seem to agree with Vir Das’s perspective. Some fans have cited in the comment section about slapping incident of Chris- Smith , highlighting potential risks for comedians if their jokes are not well received by big stars.
A fan wrote, “The awards themselves are quite funny. Best comedian in a villain, best actor in a wholesome entertainer, best newcomer and newcomers.
“Moment Banao. Bas. jokes nahi. Moment banao.( Make the moment,just not jokes).” Another Commedian Sahil Shah commented in a satirical way.
An user recalled that Kapil Sharma co-hosted the 60th Filmfare Awards with Karan Johar in 2015 . He commented, “You mean Kapil Sharma not a comedian can you match the Manish paal host quality as well comedy punches I don’t know who recognised you (manuwar and lot of so called standup comedian)
