Real Kashmir Football Club bags International Emmy nod: All about the show
SonyLIV’s Real Kashmir Football Club has earned an International Emmy nomination, bringing global recognition to a story rooted in Kashmir, football, and the lives of its people. Starring Manav Kaul and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, the series tells the unlikely story of two men who set out to build a professional football club from scratch, bringing together 20 determined underdogs and turning their shared passion for the game into a story of grit, sacrifice and hope.
The nomination comes at a time when OTT platforms are exploring stories from Kashmir beyond the familiar binaries of conflict and tourism. Such international recognition for stories will add more layers to the portrayal of the Valley while acknowledging the lingering trauma and complexities of everyday life.Why the Emmy nomination is special
Real Kashmir Football Club follows an unlikely sporting journey that goes beyond football. The show explores how a community’s love for the game became a source of connection and hope, while its characters continue to grapple with their own personal histories and struggles.
The series has also received critical acclaim and generated buzz on social media, with the streamer describing the response as having left “a special mark”. Its International Emmy nomination now gives the story another platform, taking a distinctly Kashmiri tale of resilience and community to a global audience.
The series is inspired by businessman Sandeep Chattoo and journalist Shamim Meraj, the founders of the real-life Real Kashmir Football Club. The show juxtaposes the Valley’s deep love for football with the lingering pain of its people, following characters who navigate their personal struggles while trying to build something meaningful for their community.
For Sohail, played by Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, football represents memories of better times and the possibility of a brighter future. A journalist who has become disillusioned with his profession, he joins forces with Shirish, played by Manav Kaul, an entrepreneur who returns to Kashmir after having fled the Valley following attacks on the Pandit community.
At its heart, Real Kashmir Football Club is therefore not just a story about building a football team. It is about two men attempting to create a sense of community through sport, and a Valley finding moments of hope and connection amid its complicated past.- EndsPublished By: Prachi aryaPublished On: Sep 24, 2026 00:11 ISTALSO READ | Vir Das Fool Volume review: Most experimental special yet
