On mid-day's Sit With Hitlist, Vir Das recalled his early days as a comedy writer when he co-wrote the 2009 Filmfare Awards hosted by Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan — a gig that helped launch his behind-the-scenes career in Bollywood
Vir Das
Vir Das began his comedy career performing at open mics, corporate shows, and hosting a segment on a news channel. But few know that he also worked behind the scenes as a writer for major Bollywood award shows. His breakthrough came in 2009 when he co-wrote the now iconic Filmfare Awards hosted by Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan, a show that still goes viral on social media to this day. The event was not only loved by the audience but also earned appreciation from industry stalwarts, including Shah Rukh Khan.
Vir Das on getting Filmfare opportunity
In a conversation with mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, Vir recalled how the opportunity came to him. “I was doing Delhi Belly at the time. I got a call from Imran and Ranbir saying they were hosting the Filmfare Awards but felt the script was a bit old school. They asked if I could come in and write. So we wrote that first Imran-Ranbir Filmfare - that was our first big thing.”
That one event opened doors to more opportunities. “Life changed after that show. We got hired for everything — from Filmfare to IIFA to Stardust. Everyone wanted what Imran and Ranbir had delivered. That’s how we learned to write for bigger stars,” he said.
Vir gets called by SRK
Vir also shared a fond memory of meeting Shah Rukh Khan when he was just 25. “We were called to Mannat, and Shah Rukh said, ‘I really enjoyed the Imran-Ranbir show.’ He introduced us to his long-time writer Kiran Kotriyal and said, ‘Now you’ll work with him and handle two segments.’ After that, we ended up writing the whole show,” Vir recalled with a smile.
Vir Das's work front
His latest and fifth Netflix special titled 'Vir Das: Fool Volume' is currently streaming inn the platform. This Netflix special reintroduces the comedian’s signature multi-city format that stitches together stages, cultures, and moods. What’s different this time around, you ask? Just weeks before filming the biggest show of his career, Vir lost his voice — literally and creatively. What came next was Fool Volume: his most self-aware work to date. Armed with his trademark blend of wit, heart, and just enough irreverence to keep your parents nervous, Vir takes on everything from silence and self-doubt to rediscovering joy. It's comedy that doesn’t just punch up — it reaches out.
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