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'Come and visit modern India': Vir Das in New York
Das was in conversation with Simi Shah, founder of South Asian Trailblazers, in New York.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 21, Jul 2025
- 00:59 EDT
- 52
A screengrab from the Asia Society interview / Asia Society website
The Asia Society and South Asian Trailblazers podcast organized a conversation with Emmy Award-winning comedian Vir Das, who stars in the upcoming Netflix comedy special, Vir Das: Fool Volume.
Addressing predominantly diaspora community members, Das discussed his struggles, achievements, and the cultural dynamics he observes and presents in his stand-up performances.
Talking Simi Shah, founder and host of South Asian Trailblazers, Das explored how the diaspora connects with his performances and shared insightful observations.
ALSO READ: Vir Das returns to Netflix with ‘Fool Volume’ on July 18
He praised the diaspora for preserving India's culture even when living abroad, stating, "Something that the diaspora does really well is protect culture."
Das emphasized the importance of showing up to ensure that Indian culture and its artists flourish internationally and receive global acclaim. He pointed out that when a performer like Diljit Dosanjh performs at Coachella, the diaspora must show up and support the artist.
Responding to an audience question, Das highlighted the transformation of India that the diaspora community might have missed, saying, "I think India is far more open-minded than you think it is. With all due respect to the diaspora, sometimes you are raised in a time-capsule version of India—the last version of India that your parents left behind—and that India does not exist anymore."
Urging the diaspora to travel and experience contemporary India, he added, "You are raised in more conservative households than us; come and visit modern India."
Das also acknowledged the challenges faced by Indian-origin students in the West, noting that they are under tremendous pressure to exhibit 'model minority behaviour,' facing intense expectations to succeed in environments where opportunities are already scarce.
In a message to the attendees, Das said, "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."
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