HELLO! India Exclusive: Shalini Passi on her Emmy Experience in LA: "Proud and reflective"

1. How did the International Emmys feel different from Indian award ceremonies?

Attending the International Emmy Awards in New York feels quite different from most Indian award ceremonies - both in atmosphere and in what they celebrate. The Emmys carry a distinctly global energy: understated yet powerful. The focus is entirely on storytelling and craft rather than star power or spectacle. Each nomination represents a different country, language, and culture, and the conversations revolve around artistic integrity, diversity, and global collaboration. It feels less like a glamorous competition and more like being part of a creative dialogue. Indian award ceremonies, on the other hand - while equally grand and emotional, have a unique warmth. There’s a sense of community, celebration, and cinematic passion that is very much our own. The energy is vibrant, heartfelt, and larger-than-life, blending art, glamour, and tradition into one unforgettable evening.

At the Emmys, I found a quieter, deeper kind of inspiration - a space where creators spoke about craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural exchange. It wasn’t about celebrity; it was about excellence and empathy in storytelling. As an Indian woman standing among storytellers from 26 countries, I felt both proud and reflective - proud that India’s creative voice is now resonating globally, and reflective about how much potential we still hold to tell our stories to the world in newer, more expansive ways.

2. As an Indian woman at the International Emmy Awards, New York 2025, what was your experience of being in the midst of esteemed women?

Attending the International Emmy Awards in New York was deeply inspiring—both as an art patron and as an Indian woman witnessing global storytelling at its finest. Seeing artists from around the world, including India, celebrated on such a prestigious stage felt truly meaningful. Watching Amar Singh Chamkila stand alongside international productions made me proud of the emotional depth and cultural richness Indian cinema brings to the world.

For me, the evening went beyond glamour. It was an affirmation that women from India belong confidently in global creative spaces—that our perspectives, rooted in strength and emotion, add real value to international conversations. It reminded me that stories by and about women, across cultures and languages, have the power to resonate everywhere. The Emmys celebrated excellence, but they also revealed how art connects us beyond borders. I left with a renewed sense of possibility—that our voices and our stories deserve their place on the world stage.

3. My takeaway from the International Emmy Awards in New York

Attending the International Emmy Awards was an experience I'll never forget. It wasn't just about celebrating excellence—it was a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be, no matter where it comes from. Sitting among creators from over 25 countries, I felt a renewed belief that art truly transcends language, geography, and culture. Every story—whether in Hindi, Spanish, or English—shared the same heartbeat: emotion, courage, and truth. As an Indian woman, what struck me most was realising that our voices matter on the global stage. Indian creativity is no longer limited to our borders—it's part of a worldwide conversation about identity, resilience, and imagination.

The evening reinforced that greatness in art isn't about glamour or applause. It's about authenticity—the ability to touch someone's heart, anywhere in the world. I left feeling inspired to dream bigger, create fearlessly, and keep championing art that connects us all.

4. Notable Attendees at the 53rd International Emmy Awards (2025, New York)

1. Diljit Dosanjh - Nominee for Best Actor (Amar Singh Chamkila); appeared on the red carpet.
2. Imtiaz Ali - Director of Amar Singh Chamkila; attended with the film’s team.
3. Kelly Ripa - Host of the ceremony.
4. Mark Consuelos - Co-host of the ceremony.
5. Shalini Passi - Attended the event; featured in red-carpet coverage.
6. Charlotte Hope - Nominee; appeared on the red carpet.
7. Anna Maxwell Martin - Winner, Best Actress; present at the ceremony.
8. Oriol Pla - Winner, Best Actor; attended the awards.
9. Dana Walden -  Recipient of the 2025 International Emmy Founders Award.
10. João Roberto Marinho - Recipient of the 2025 International Emmy Directorate Award.
11. Monika Shergill - Netflix India, VP of Content; associated with Amar Singh Chamkila.
12. Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh - Netflix India, Director of Original Films; present with the Chamkila team.
13. Matilde Reymao - Presenter; featured in red-carpet coverage.

5. International Emmy-Nominated Series That Focus on Women's Stories and Empowerment

Several notable series at the International Emmys highlight women's stories, empowerment, and gender-related themes:

Women-Centric or Women-Focused Series
1. Las Azules (Mexico)
 Nominated for Best Drama Series at the 2025 International Emmys.
 A powerful narrative rooted in women’s perspectives.

2. Mujeres Asesinas (Season 2)
 Featured one of the 2025 Best Actress nominees.
 The show revolves around strong female leads and women-driven plotlines.

3. Until I Kill You
 Also had a Best Actress nomination in 2025, suggesting a female-led narrative with significant emotional and social themes.

4. Aarya (India)
 Not from the latest Emmy slate but widely regarded for its portrayal of a resilient woman navigating crime, morality, and family pressures.

6. The most interesting series/films nominated at the 2025 International Emmy Awards.

1. Ludwig (UK)
A sharp detective-comedy-drama blending mystery with humour.
Won: Best Comedy Series (2025).

2. Rivals (UK)
A gripping, character-driven drama about ambition and rivalry.
Won: Best Drama Series (2025).

3. Amar Singh Chamkila (India)
A biographical film/mini-series on the iconic Punjabi singer.
Nominations: Best TV Movie/Mini-Series & Best Actor.

4. One Hundred Years of Solitude
A major international adaptation with rich storytelling, showing the Emmys’ expanding global representation.

5. Bluey (Australia)
Beloved worldwide for its warmth and creativity.
Category: Kids / Animation.

6. Las Azules (Mexico)
A drama series nominee representing strong Latin American storytelling.

7. Bad Boy (Israel)
A notable non-English drama nominee, adding to the global diversity of this year’s slate.

7. Notable nominated films/programs at the International Emmys 2025

1. Amar Singh Chamkila (India) - Imtiaz Ali’s biographical drama earned two major nominations: Best TV Movie/Mini-Series and Best Actor for Diljit Dosanjh.

2. Ludwig (UK) - A widely praised UK production with multiple nominations, noted as one of this year’s standout contenders.

3. Rivals (UK) - Another strong UK entry recognised in major categories for its compelling narrative.