Lucky Aunty Nominated for Gotham Award
Poorna Jagannathan shines as Lucky Aunty in Deli Boys, earning a Gotham Award nod!

Image: Instagram
In a celebration of talent and breakthrough performance, Poorna Jagannathan — widely recognized as the formidable Lucky Aunty in Hulu’s acclaimed series Deli Boys — has been nominated for a Gotham Award. The nomination comes as part of a wave of honors for the show’s cast and their colleagues, highlighting not only individual achievements but also the rising impact of South Asian storytellers in mainstream media.
Award Nomination Sparks Recognition
The announcement, punctuated by the enthusiastic caption “LUCKY AUNTY got nominated for @thegotham award!” on social media, has sent ripples through the entertainment community. Alongside Jagannathan’s nomination, her co-star Saagar Shaikh, referred to affectionately as Kamchor #2, is also receiving recognition for his work on Deli Boys. The post exudes gratitude and excitement, emphasizing that the nominations extend to many favorite shows and friends. Notable mentions include influential figures such as Questlove and Jazz Beezy for their work on the Hulu series #slylives, the HBO hit #ThePitt led by Noah Wyle, and other trending projects like #1HappyFamilyUSA on Amazon Prime and #RebelRidge on Netflix.
The nomination itself serves as a milestone in Jagannathan’s already eclectic career. Known for bringing depth and authenticity to every character she inhabits, the nomination reinforces her status as an actor capable of transcending boundaries. Her portrayal as Lucky Aunty, a character who embodies a blend of strength, vulnerability, wit, and a no-nonsense attitude, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Diverse Portfolio And Rising Star
Poorna Jagannathan’s journey in the entertainment industry has been anything but conventional. Born in Tunis and having spent her formative years in several countries due to her family’s diplomatic background, Jagannathan’s multicultural upbringing has been a wellspring of inspiration for her roles. Fluent in multiple languages and armed with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park, her background lends an unmistakable authenticity to her characters. In one of her earlier Instagram posts, she revealed that her Lucky Auntie character was originally written as a male—a creative decision that underscores the flexibility and richness of the storytelling in Deli Boys.
Her impressive resume includes an Emmy-nominated performance in HBO’s The Night Of and a breakout role in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. These performances have not only demonstrated her acting prowess but also her commitment to diverse storytelling. Despite humble beginnings, including posts that recall her day job before her break in 2016, Jagannathan’s perseverance has turned her into a celebrated name in the industry.
A Moment Of Celebration And Industry Praise
The social media post announcing the nomination is more than just an update; it is a heartfelt celebration of creative achievements within a dynamic community. The caption highlights a contagious excitement: “We are beyond delighted and grateful.” With tag mentions that include celebrated names and projects—ranging from Questlove’s musical vision on #slylives to the star power behind HBO’s #ThePitt and the cinematic charm of Netflix originals—it is clear that the nomination is part of a larger moment of recognition for promising projects and their teams.
Critics have long praised Jagannathan’s ability to shift effortlessly between her roles. Her transformation from the nurturing Dr. Nalini Vishwakumar in Never Have I Ever to the fierce and uncompromising Lucky Aunty in Deli Boys demonstrates her range and commitment to her craft. In recent interviews and social media interactions, she has spoken candidly about the intensity and excitement of portraying characters who, despite their differences, share an unwavering determination. Her work on projects spanning both comedy and drama reaffirms her place within one of the most talented ensemble casts in today’s television landscape.
Upcoming Projects And Continued Impact
Beyond her current nomination, Jagannathan’s career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. With additional projects in the pipeline, including roles in high-profile series from both streaming services and traditional networks, her star continues to rise. Her association with groundbreaking shows such as Deli Boys and other projects highlighted in the nomination post underlines an industry-wide recognition of her talent and potential.
The social media update also gives a nod to the collaborative spirit that drives modern entertainment. By congratulating fellow artists—from the Duplass brothers and colleagues at Netflix to established names in music and television—Jagannathan’s post reflects a broader trend of creative communities lifting each other up. This sentiment finds echo in previous Instagram features and interviews, where the actress has reiterated the importance of representation and camaraderie on set.
Peers in the industry have lauded her for the way she infuses every role with a palpable sense of energy and realism. As one industry insider remarked during an earlier panel discussion, Jagannathan’s work is “a beacon of what true multicultural storytelling can be.” Such comments not only celebrate her individual success but also point to the progressive shift towards more inclusive narratives in film and television.
As the Gotham Award nomination rolls out across industry platforms and social feeds, it symbolizes more than just a personal achievement—it signifies the increasing acknowledgment of diverse talent in mainstream media. With the award season approaching, fans and industry watchers alike eagerly anticipate the outcomes, confident that stories like those of Lucky Aunty will continue to push the envelope in terms of representation and excellence.
Poorna Jagannathan’s nomination for the Gotham Award for her role as Lucky Aunty in Deli Boys is a well-deserved recognition of her dynamic performance and transformative impact on screen. It also serves as a reminder of the collaborative nature of creative arts—a field where every success contributes to a richer, more diverse tapestry of storytelling.
The excitement that today’s news has generated clearly reflects the audience’s growing appetite for fresh narratives and the talents behind them, and Jagannathan’s journey continues to inspire and pave the way for a new generation of artists.

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