The Indian adaptation of The Night Manager, starring Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Sobhita Dhulipala, has earned a prestigious nomination in the Drama Series category at the 2024 International Emmy Awards. The show is India’s sole entry among 14 categories, with the nominations revealed in New York by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The series, directed by Sandeep Modi and Priyanka Ghose, is a Hindi adaptation of John le Carré’s novel and the acclaimed British show starring Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman. Competing for the top spot, The Night Manager will go up against Les Gouttes de Dieu (Drops of God) from France, The Newsreader: Season 2 from Australia, and Iosi, El Espia Arrepentido: Season 2 from Argentina.
Anil Kapoor, who plays the menacing antagonist Shelly Rungta, expressed his excitement about the nomination, calling it a “worthy reminder” of how hard work pays off. He reminisced about the initial hesitation in taking on such an iconic role, famously portrayed by Hugh Laurie, but is now thrilled with the show’s global recognition. “This validation from the Emmys, alongside the love from fans worldwide, is a reminder that hard work always wins. I’m ecstatic and hungrier than ever for what’s next,” Kapoor shared.
The 2024 International Emmys will take place in New York on November 25, hosted by Indian comedian Vir Das, who won an Emmy last year for his stand-up special Landing. The awards feature nominees from across the globe, including countries like Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Japan, and more. Bruce L. Paisner, President and CEO of the International Academy, emphasized the universal appeal of global storytelling and congratulated all the nominees for their stellar work.
The Night Manager premiered in two parts on Disney+ Hotstar and has become a breakout hit. The Ink Factory, Banijay Asia, and director Sandeep Modi have managed to infuse the Indian version with its own flavor, setting it apart while staying true to the core narrative of the original. Simon Cornwell, CEO of The Ink Factory, called the nomination a “great honor,” while Banijay Asia’s CEO, Deepak Dhar, acknowledged the challenges of adapting the story for an Indian audience and praised the cast and crew’s dedication in creating a compelling and intense narrative.
In a heartfelt statement, Anil Kapoor described the project as a “labor of love” and expressed gratitude for the show’s global impact. Kapoor, whose character Shelly is his 140th on-screen role, said, “Moments like these make me eager to play another 140. This nomination is a massive honor for everyone who believed in the project from day one.”
With The Night Manager representing India at one of television’s most prestigious awards, the stage is set for Indian content to continue making waves on the international scene.
