Hulu’s Deli Boys was honored this past weekend at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation’s (PAAFF) inaugural Benefit Reception at the Filter Club. The series, which premiered its second season on May 28, received the AANHPI Storyteller Icon Award. Deli Boys stars Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh were on hand to accept the award, presented by PAAFF board member and Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)’s Jes Vu, during the celebration, alongside Nydia Han of 6ABC News, who received the Philadelphia Icon Award.
“We hope that we come back again and it’s bigger and better each time,” Ali said during his speech. “This is so special. We hope you watch and continue to support not just us, but all of you. We know all of you here are creators and people in the industry. We hope you guys all take our little award and use that as motivation.”
The series, created by Temple University alum Abdullah Saeed, is set in Philadelphia and follows two wealthy Pakistani-American brothers who have lived a life of privilege until they are forced to take over their late father’s underground drug empire. The dark comedy explores two very different brothers who are processing their grief over losing their father, but also must deal with the truth of where their wealth had always come from – as well as who to trust in the family. The show is also a “love letter” to the City of Brotherly Love, which has become one of the fastest-growing AAPI populations.
“Awarding the AANHPI Icon Award to Hulu’s Deli Boys is a celebration of what becomes possible when our communities are given the opportunity to tell bold, authentic stories at the highest level,” said Joseph Carranza, Creative Director of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation. “Set in Philadelphia and centered on Pakistani American characters, the series proves that AANHPI stories are not niche stories; they are American stories that deserve to be seen, championed, and remembered.”
Hosted by Philly local comedian Tan Hoang, the sold-out event featured live performances (including jazz vocalist Tina Hashemi), cocktails, and a look inside PAAFF’s long-term strategy to sustain its mission and year-round programming, and to expand support for filmmakers, youth education, and community partnerships.
“Let’s really, really support AAPI, Black, and Brown projects,” Shaikh said during his speech. “Because if you’re not watching these projects in the first four weeks that they come out, those numbers are the only numbers that matter. If those numbers aren’t good enough, we’re not coming back for a Season [3]. The next person who looks like any of us and is inspired because of our show, and goes in and tries to pitch a show, they’re going to be like, ‘We already gave someone like you a shot.’ Meanwhile, a white show can be mediocre. We don’t have that luxury. We don’t have that privilege. We have to be excellent. We have to work twice as hard to get half as far. We don’t have the luxury of being okay. They can have half the numbers we do and still get Season 5 or Season 6. We are scrutinized so much harder, so we have to support each other ten times harder.”
Ali and Shaikh spent the day with PAAFF exploring the city, doing fun content in front of City Hall, the news weather forecast at 6ABC Action News, running the “Rocky” steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and speaking to students at Drexel University, where Ali’s Deli Boys character, Mir, is an alumnus.
Season 2 of Deli Boys is out now on Hulu / Disney+.