Real Kashmir Football Club earns International Emmy drama nod amid funding woes

Real Kashmir Football Club has secured a Drama Series nomination at the 54th International Emmy Awards. The SonyLIV series is based on the real story of Jammu and Kashmir's first professional football club, which was founded after the 2014 Kashmir floods. Actress Vishakha Singh, known for her role as Neetu in the 2013 film Fukrey, serves as the show's executive producer and said the nod is a major career milestone after more than 20 years in the industry. She explained that the project took seven years to complete and survived a long run of setbacks. The cast includes Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as Sohail Mir and Manav Kaul as Shirish Kemmu, who initially hesitated until they saw the team's intent and script. Vishakha said the team had to research the true story carefully because it involves living people and a sensitive portrayal of Kashmir. Funding was raised independently, and in early 2023 two backers withdrew just two weeks before shooting, leaving the producers without a major streamer partner. The crew decided to pause rather than start without money to protect investors. Later that year, Sandeep Chattoo, co‑founder of the real club and the inspiration for Kaul’s character, died of a sudden heart attack, causing another halt. Directors Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar completed the series, which now streams on SonyLIV.

Context

The International Emmy Awards recognize TV excellence worldwide, so a nomination highlights Indian stories gaining global attention. Real Kashmir Football Club’s struggle reflects how independent Indian productions often rely on personal funding and face sudden financial risks.