SonyLIV's Real Kashmir Football Club has been nominated in the Drama Series category at the 54th International Emmy Awards. The Hindi series stars Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. It is inspired by businessman Sandeep Chattoo and journalist Shamim Meraj, who founded the Real Kashmir Football Club.
| Field | Details |
| Series Name | Real Kashmir Football Club |
| Based On | True story of Jammu and Kashmir's first professional football club |
| Cast | Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub |
| OTT Platform | SonyLIV |
| Episodes | 8 |
| Emmy Nomination | Best Drama Series (International Emmy Awards) |
What Is Real Kashmir Football Club About?
Real Kashmir Football Club follows a journalist, Sohail, and a businessman, Shishir, who come together to build a professional football team in Jammu and Kashmir.
Their journey is inspired by the real-life story of Real Kashmir FC, the first professional football club from the region to play in India's top-tier I-League.
The series follows their efforts to find players, arrange funding and keep the team running despite several challenges. It also shows how football gives young people in the Valley a chance to build a future.
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How Did Real Kashmir FC Start?
The real story began after the devastating floods that hit Kashmir in September 2014. Large parts of the Valley were submerged, and thousands of families were displaced.
Journalist Shamim Meraj, editor of The Kashmir Monitor, and businessman Sandeep Chattoo noticed young boys spending time in areas affected by the floods. The two decided to distribute 100 footballs among local children.
What started as a small effort eventually led to the formation of Real Kashmir FC in 2016.
The club went on to make history during the 2017–18 season. It remained unbeaten in the I-League 2nd Division and earned promotion to the top tier. This made Real Kashmir FC the first club from Jammu and Kashmir to play in India's top-flight league.
Where To Watch Real Kashmir Football Club?
Real Kashmir Football Club premiered on SonyLIV in December 2025. The series is directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and Mahesh Mathai.
Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar are the directors, and Jaya Entertainment, Oshun Entertainment, Kapital Entertainment, and SK Global Entertainment are the producers.
Simaab Hashmi, Umang Vyas, Dhruv Narang, Danish Renzu, and Mathai wrote the screenplay. Abhishant Rana is also a key member of Real Kashmir Football Club.
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The show has now earned a nomination at the 54th International Emmy Awards in the Drama Series category. It is competing against A Thousand Blows from the UK, Carême from France and Menem from Argentina.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in New York City on November 23, 2026.
FAQ
1. What is the Real Kashmir Football Club series about?
It is a drama series based on the true story of Real Kashmir FC, tracing how the team rose to become Jammu and Kashmir's first professional football club.
2. Who stars in the Real Kashmir Football Club series and where can I watch it?
The series stars Manav Kaul and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in lead roles and is available to stream on SonyLIV.
3. How many episodes does the series have?
The show consists of 8 episodes and earned a nomination at the International Emmy Awards for Best Drama Series.