Announced by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in New York, the SonyLIV original is the only Indian scripted series to earn a nomination this year, standing alongside Vir Das’ comedy special nomination for Fool Volume.
Helmed by showrunners and co-directors Mahesh Mathai (Bhopal Express) and National Award-winner Rajesh Mapuskar (Ventilator, Scam 2003), the series stars Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. It dramatizes the real-life genesis of Jammu and Kashmir's first-ever professional football club and its historic qualification for the national I-League.
The Underdog’s Triumph: From Under-the-Radar to Global Spotlight
Premiering quietly on SonyLIV in December 2025, the series gained critical acclaim for rejecting cinematic hyper-nationalism in favor of an intimate, grounded human study:
The Real Inspiration: The show tracks the true journey of two visionary friends—local Kashmiri newspaper editor Shamim Mehraj and Mumbai businessman Sandeep Chattoo—who founded Real Kashmir FC in the aftermath of the devastating 2014 floods to steer Kashmiri youth away from political unrest and stone-pelting through sport.
The Historic Feat: Against curfews, communication blackouts, sub-zero winters, and infrastructural deficits, the club hired former Scottish footballer David Robertson, climbed the 2nd Division, and made an unprecedented entry into India's top-tier I-League.
<>Leads React: "Dedicated to the People of Kashmirh2"
Speaking to the media following the nomination announcement, both lead actors shared emotional reflections:
Manav Kaul (Portraying the club's co-founder): “Real Kashmir Football Club is one of my favourite works. I always felt this series deserved much, much more. Being a Kashmiri, this story means a lot to me. It goes far beyond football; it is about the human spirit and the belief that change is possible in the toughest circumstances. When I started reading about it, I learnt that this football club brought peace to the valley. I am so happy for Team RKFC.”
Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub: “It is always special to see our labour of love reach people and receive recognition. This was an important and relevant story for us to tell—a story of resilience, courage and hard work. We dedicate this recognition to the people of Kashmir, their resilience, and the struggles they have endured. I hope this nomination helps the story travel further and reach a wider audience.”
Mahesh Mathai (Co-Director & Showrunner): “When you come across a great story, don't let it pass you by. Grab a hold of it, nurture it, love it, and push it through that long tunnel. It will find the light. We are honoured that this special series has found global recognition through an Emmy nomination.”
Industry & Cultural Verdict:
Securing a nomination in the Best Drama Series category—often regarded as the flagship competitive bracket of the International Emmys—marks a rare achievement for Indian television, following in the footsteps of previous nominees like Delhi Crime and Sacred Games. By focusing on the unifying power of sports and local community resilience rather than conventional conflict tropes, Real Kashmir Football Club proves that hyper-local Indian storytelling can strike a universal chord on the world stage.
