Comedian Vir Das has offered a candid take on why roast-style hosting — popular at global award shows like the Oscars — fails to strike the same chord in India. In a recent Instagram post, Das shared insights from his own experience of writing for multiple award shows, explaining how hierarchy and industry dynamics shape humour in the country.
Das pointed out that while international audiences enjoy seeing top stars being playfully roasted on stage, such moments are rare in India.
Drawing comparisons with global hosts like Ricky Gervais and Conan O'Brien, Das explained that roast-style humour works best when a comedian is given the freedom to act as a “jester” for the night — someone who can poke fun at even the biggest names in the room. The idea, he said, is to balance celebration with light-hearted criticism, making larger-than-life celebrities appear more relatable.
However, according to Das, this approach struggles in India due to deeply rooted power structures within the film industry. He highlighted that humour here is often filtered through hierarchy, where status and influence dictate what can and cannot be said on stage.
The comedian did not hold back while addressing what he called the biggest hurdle — star egos. He noted that many actors are not comfortable being the subject of jokes, especially if they come from someone perceived as lower in the industry hierarchy. As a result, comedians are forced to tone down their material, limiting the spontaneity and sharpness that define roast-style hosting.
Das further explained that even having a big star as the host does not solve the issue. Instead, it can make things more complicated, as the pool of people they can joke about becomes smaller. This often leads to safe, selective humour that may entertain those present at the event but fails to connect with viewers watching from home.
He believes people focus more on maintaining relationships than making bold, honest jokes, which makes the comedy feel less impactful.
On the work front, Vir Das continues to expand his creative portfolio. He was last seen in Happy Patel, which also marked his directorial debut. The film, produced by Aamir Khan Productions, was released in theatres on January 16, 2026.
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