iWorld
JioHotstar sweeps Emmys with 35 plus wins, steals global streaming spotlight
MUMBAI: Hollywood may have handed out the trophies, but JioHotstar pocketed the glory. At the 77th Emmy Awards, the platform’s titles racked up more than 35 wins across categories, cementing its place as India’s biggest gateway to world-class television.
Leading the flock was The Penguin, which waddled off with a hefty 9 trophies, including lead actress in a limited series for Cristin Milioti, outstanding special visual effects, and contemporary makeup. Not far behind, The Pitt struck gold with 5 wins among them Best Drama Series, lead actor (Noah Wyle) and supporting actress (Katherine Lanasa).
The galaxy far, far away stayed close to the winners’ list, with Andor grabbing 5 awards, including outstanding writing for a drama series and fantasy/sci-fi costumes. Comedy didn’t lag either Hacks bagged 3 trophies, with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder clinching acting honours, while Pee-Wee As Himself also took 3, including Outstanding Directing for a non-fiction program. Beatles nostalgia hit the right note too, with Beatles ’64 winning Sound Mixing.
Other marquee names The Last Of Us, House Of The Dragon, The White Lotus, and Last Week Tonight With John Oliver added to the tally, pushing JioHotstar’s count well past the 35-mark from over 200 nominations.
Celebrating the wins, JioHotstar has even rolled out a glossy coffee table book spotlighting its Emmy haul, underscoring its role as India’s largest hub for Emmy-recognised titles. With its eclectic slate spanning drama, comedy, limited series, anime, kids’ fare and documentaries, the streamer has firmly positioned itself as the bridge between Indian screens and global conversation.
From dragons to detectives, spaceships to stand-up, the message was clear on television’s biggest night when it comes to Emmys, JioHotstar isn’t just in the race, it’s setting the pace.
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.
