iWorld
Disney+ Hotstar’s ‘Aarya’ nominated for 2021 Emmy Awards
Mumbai: Streaming service platform Disney+ Hotstar’s web series “Aarya” has been nominated at the 49th International Emmy Awards.
Directed by Ram Madhvani and starring Sushmita Sen, the show bagged a nomination in the ‘Drama Series’ category, becoming the first show from the OTT platform to be nominated at the Emmys.
“We are extremely proud and honoured to be nominated at one of the most esteemed global award platforms that recognise creativity, talent and storytelling at its best,” said Star and Disney India president and head of content Gaurav Banerjee. “I congratulate the entire crew of Aarya and our team at Disney+ Hotstar for underlining India’s creative talent to the world.”
“It is surreal to know that Aarya has been recognised globally amongst the best drama series in the world and to be nominated at a platform as prestigious as the International Emmy Awards is phenomenal,” said actor Sushmita Sen. “I am overwhelmed with the love and faith viewers across the world have put into our labour of love and want to thank each one from the bottom of my heart for the encouragement.”
The show’s ensemble cast included the actors Namit Das, Sikander Kher, Jayant Kriplani, Sohaila Kapoor, Sugandha Garg, Maya Sareen, Vishwajeet Pradhan, and Manish Chaudhary in pivotal roles.
“It’s a feeling of pride and humility and true happiness to have been nominated for the International Emmy Awards,” said director Ram Madhvani. “Congratulations to the entire team and cast of Aarya for their immense support, belief, and love. And to the full team at Disney+ Hotstar and Endemol Shine. This nomination truly validates the full team’s hard and dedicated work.”
Meanwhile, “Aarya” is set to return for a second season on the video-on-demand platform.
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
