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Breakthrough TV Duo Honored for Deli Boys
30 May
Summary
- Actors Saagar Shaikh and Asif Ali to receive Breakthrough Award.
- Deli Boys stars navigate rejection, find steady employment.
- Show praised for complex South Asian representation.

On June 4, IndieWire Honors will celebrate the creators and stars behind acclaimed television, with "Deli Boys" actors Saagar Shaikh and Asif Ali set to receive the Breakthrough Award. The series, which premiered its second season on Hulu on May 28, has garnered praise for its unique blend of gritty crime drama and sharp comedy. Shaikh and Ali, who previously navigated a landscape of frequent rejection in Hollywood, now find themselves as the beating comedic heart of "Deli Boys."
The show is distinguished by its authentic and nuanced representation of South Asian characters, portraying them as complex, flawed individuals rather than relying on stereotypes. This approach, which deeply resonated with Shaikh and Ali, allows for culturally specific humor and satire. The series also features a strong ensemble cast, including Poorna Jagannathan, who plays Auntie Lucky, a role lauded for its depth and complexity.