The jab at Will Smith was a reference to the infamous Oscar slap incident, and it left the crowd roaring with laughter.

Vir Das made history as the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards 2024, held in New York City on Tuesday. Known for his sharp wit and bold humour, the actor-comedian made sure his monologue was a memorable one, cracking jokes about the entertainment industry and even poking fun at Will Smith.

During the ceremony, Vir took the opportunity to roast the OTT giants present in the room. In a lighthearted moment, he turned to the audience and humorously commented, “All the major platforms are here, and humbly, I feel that next year one of you should really broadcast this show. What do you think?” The audience responded with applause, but it was his punchline that truly had everyone laughing. Vir added, “Who does Will Smith have to slap tonight for us to get some eyeballs, guys?”

The jab at Smith was a reference to the infamous Oscar slap incident, and it left the crowd roaring with laughter. Vir’s comedic timing and fearless humour didn’t stop there. He also took a playful dig at the US government, saying, “I’m kidding. We are foreigners. You can’t slap foreigners with anything but sanctions… sorry tariffs.”

Vir, who was dressed in a stylish ensemble by Indian fashion label Salooka by Shubangi Bajpai, represented the fusion of East and West with his tailored jacket and Chikankaari bandhgala shirt, paired with pleated lungi-inspired pants.

This isn’t Vir’s first time at the International Emmys. In 2021, he was nominated for his special Vir Das: For India, and in 2023, he won an award for his Netflix special Landing. His appearance at the 2024 ceremony solidified his standing as one of India’s most successful comedic talents on the global stage.

On the work front, Vir Das was last seen in Call Me Bae, where he played a negative role alongside Ananya Panday. He is currently on his International Mind Fool Tour, thrilling audiences worldwide with his humour.