Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 22, 2019)

Saif Ali Khan’s debut web series based on Vikram Chandra’s book Sacred Games has been nominated for the International Emmy Awards in the Best Drama category. The actor, who got rave reviews for his turn as the Sikh cop Sartaj Singh in the acclaimed show, says that the idea was always to do something on a platform that is international.

“The OTT platform on which the series was streamed encourages you to tell your stories the way you do it but in an international manner. So, it is kind of correct that if it does get nominated, it is for an international award, full credit to the team and the production. It feels great,” says Saif.   

Ask him the one reason he thinks because of which it got the nomination, and he says, “First of all, it’s a compelling watch. And, in a cinematic country like ours which has a rich heritage, it shows that if we put our minds to it, we can do something. Most of the time, we are catering to the Indian audience, but we can cater to a different audience, too. I think a character like Kuku played by Kubbra Sait, the transsexual love story or the fact that a Muslim actor playing a Sikh cop, there are many things about the show, which are really cool that way.”

What are the chances of it winning an Emmy? “There are some scenes — like the one with Kubbra that I have never seen before on any show. Quite often we are imitating the West, but this was pretty path-breaking. I don’t know if we will win, but I hope so, why not,” he says signing off.