Jai Ho! say Indians to Oscar winners 2009

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Cyberspace is buzzing with the Oscars, and music maestro A.R. Rahman seems to be leading here too! Even as he is in Los Angeles attending the ceremony, his website has been updated and boasts of his being the first Indian to bag two Academy Awards the same night.

In the rest of the cyber world, it's an almost unanimous "Jai Ho" - as people's status on social networking sites and chat lists has been set to these words from the Oscar winning song in the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" since early Monday.

"India! Jai Ho!" screamed Bangalore-based student Vaishali Baruah's chat message on Yahoo messenger after it was announced that the movie had won eight Oscars.

"It's an incredible achievement! Bagging eight of the 10 Oscar nominations is no mean deal...and the icing on the cake is that three out of that have been won by Indians! It's a truly Jai Ho moment for all of us," she said.

At the 81st Academy Awards, "Slumdog Millionaire" won for best film, best director, best original score, best original song, best adapted screenplay, best cinematography, best sound mixing and best editing.

Of the eight, A.R. Rahman won the Oscar for the best original score and for the best original song "Jai Ho" alongwith lyricist Gulzar. Sound designer Resul Pookutty shared the Oscar for the best sound mixing along with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke.

Enthralled with the Oscar glory, advertising executive Sachin Jaiswal updated his profile message on Facebook, a social networking website, and wrote: "It doesn't get any bigger than this".

"You know a lot of people have been saying that why this obsession with Oscars and do we really need the Oscars to tell us that we are good. But oh well...the fact remains that this is one of the world's most revered recognitions and we have won three of them!

"And look at A.R. Rahman - he truly deserved a recognition like this. How can one ever get over his compositions in movies like 'Taal', 'Bombay' and 'Roja'? Rahman's the best," Jaiswal said.

Rahman's website, www.arrahman.com, has updated his achievement as well. "Rahman is the first Indian to win two Oscars. 'Slumdog Millionaire' swept the Oscars and won eight out of the nine categories it was nominated in," the update reads.

Gushing at the acceptance speeches of the Indian winners, Anita Sharma, a student said: "Both Rahman and Pookutty were just so humble while accepting the awards - no overacting, over reacting like many other celebrities do when they receive an award.

"I especially found Rahman's acceptance speech, in which he thanks God in Tamil, very touching. We are proud of our musical geniuses. Jai Ho!" she added.

Leaders shower praise on Rahman, Pookutty for Oscar glory

New Delhi/Chennai, Feb 23 (IANS) Composer A.R. Rahman and sound designer Resul Pookutty had made India proud with their three Oscars, President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday as congratulations poured in following the sweep by "Slumdog Millionaire" at the Academy Awards.

The president said in her message: "I congratulate the winning team of 'Slumdog Millionare' and especially A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty for winning the Oscars in the three categories."

"They have made India proud," she said.

"Slumdog Millionaire" got eight Oscars, including two for Rahman and one for Pookutty. "Smile Pinki", which bagged the best short documentary Oscar for its story about the problems faced by a little girl in an Indian village till she got her cleft-lip surgery done, also came in for praise.

The prime minister congratulated the creative teams for their Oscar awards wins and said their achievement was a tribute to the Indian film industry.

"The achievement of the creative teams of 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Smile Pinki' is a recognition of their vast talent. Their achievement is a tribute to the Indian film industry, which is a reservoir of multi-disciplinary talent which the medium of cinema embraces."

"The winners have done India proud and all those involved in the making of 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'Smile Pinki' have our heartiest congratulations," he said.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also sent in her congratulations.

"I am delighted that A.R. Rahman and Resul Pookutty have won this year's much coveted Oscars for music and sound editing. I congratulate them."

She said all the actors, technicians and support staff who had worked in the movie had made India proud.

Lavishing praise on "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Smile Pinki" for winning the Oscars, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Anand Sharma Monday said it was "the finest hour of Indian cinema" on the global stage.

In his home state of Tamil Nadu, Rahman was hailed by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi as a "worthy son of Chennai".

"I consider the awards won by Rahman as precious jewels in the crown of one of our own with pride. I join 100 crore Indians and six crore Tamils in showering flowers of appreciation with pure minds on this scion from a minority community," Karunanidhi said in a statement.

AIADMK chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalitha also came forward to say: "I would like to congratulate composer A. R. Rahman, who has won two Oscars - for best original song and best original score, and Resul Pookutty, who shares the Oscar for best sound mixing, for having kept the Indian tricolour flying high at the Academy Awards this year."

In the national capital, "Slumdog Millionaire" was granted entertainment tax exemption with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit saying it had "created history in the field of Indian cinema".

"This film has earned a special distinction by claiming eight Oscar awards in different categories and hence created history in the field of Indian cinema," Diskhit said in an official statement.

British director Danny Boyle's hit film about the rags to riches story of a boy from Mumbai slums has won eight of its 10 nominations.

Kannada film industry gets emotional after Rahman's Oscar triumph

Bangalore, Feb 23 (IANS) Kannada film personalities, who have worked with A.R. Rahman, have gone on an emotional trip after hearing the big news of the Indian music maestro's twin win at the 81st Academy Awards.

"Rahman was passionate about music. We used to call him Dileep then. For music re-recordings he used to come to Bangalore in his own Maruti Car and he used to bring his keyboard along," director-producer-actor Dwarakish told IANS.

Rahman, who on Sunday bagged two Oscars for his work in "Slumdog Millionaire", worked as a keyboard player in Kannada films like "Dance Raja Dance", "Krishna Nee Kunidaaga", "Nee Baredha Kaadhambari" and "Nee Thanda Kaanike". All the four films were produced by Dwarakish.

Dwarakish, 67, said that he became emotional after watching the live Oscar ceremony and said he even danced in his house.

"Rahman is a sensational discovery of the Indian film industry. The Oscars are the beginning of the recognition of his great talents at the international level. I am sure that he will achieve more than this," said Dwarakish.

"I got a hint of his talent during the recording sessions. I would persuade him to become a music director. I was prepared to give him a break, but Rahman would tell me that he was happy being a keyboard player as he was earning well. He did not want to take any risk and I was surprised when Mani Ratnam convinced him to compose for his film ('Roja')," he added.

Director D. Rajendra Babu said he too remembers Rahman as a workaholic who showed sparks even as a keyboard player.

"I saw him working as a keyboard player for composers Shankar and Ganesh. Ganesh had a special liking for Rahman who was called Dileep at that time. The two Oscars are the result of the work he has been doing for so many years. He has composed many great songs, but it was only 'Slumdog Millionaire' that got him international recognition," said Rajendra Babu.

In the beginning of his career, Rahman worked as an assistant keyboard player with composer Vijayanand. Rahman joined Vijayanand after having worked with well-known music director Ilayaraja.

Kerala village basks in Pookutty's Oscar glory

Anchal (Kerala), Feb 23 (IANS) It seemed like all roads in Kerala led to Villakkupara village, the home of Resul Pookutty who Monday won the Oscar for sound mixing in the film "Slumdog Millionaire".

Two state ministers M.A. Baby and Mulakara Ratnakaran and Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy besides a few legislators and politicians have visited the village which is 50 km from the state capital.

Byju P.T., Pookutty's brother, said that the phone hasn't stopped ringing since Sunday evening.

"This is a great feeling and we really miss our parents who would have really cherished Resul's achievements," said Byju.

Pookutty called home after winning. His call was greeted with loud applause by more than 200 neighbours who have stayed put at his home since early Monday morning.

Pookutty's four sisters and three brothers treated everyone present to a feast.

"We served steaming hot biryani to all who were with us in our moment of joy. I'm told that a few TV channels would be spending the day with us here also," added Byju.

The state government has decided to hold a public reception to honour Pookutty, said Culture Minister Baby, who arrived with his wife to share the happiness at the Pookutty home.

"This is unbelievable for Kerala and for the country. Resul has got it at the prime of his youth ... this is what is more exciting. Hard work pays off and this is going to be a great impetus for all in the film industry," Baby said.

His family was in tears, villagers crowding around a TV set in front of his house here cheered and plates of sweets did the rounds as Pookutty bagged the award.

Tension had built up in the neighbourhood as the Oscar for sound editing did not go to "Slumdog Millionaire", but shouts of joy broke out when Pookutty, 36, was declared the winner for sound mixing.

"We decided to place a TV in front of our home because since last evening the mood was building up. He (Pookutty) called me last night and said it is going to be tough," said Byju.

The ones who could not hide their happiness were his two sisters who had tears rolling down their cheeks.

"We just can't hide our emotions and I don't know what to say," said one of his sisters.

As Pookutty was set to make his acceptance speech in faraway Los Angeles, hundreds of villagers waited spellbound.

Saifuddin, another brother of Pookutty, thanked Allah for the honour bestowed on their family.

"We are humbled that this has happened in my family and he's got an award many felt he would never win," Saifuddin said.

Wishes poured in for Pookutty from Malayalam film stars as well.

"He has reached the real heights in the film industry. Though he is a Malayali, he is yet to work in a Malayalam film. This is because sound has not got its due share here. Now things will change," said Malayalam superstar Mammootty.

Pookutty was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days. His father was keen that he become a doctor, but Resul failed the medical entrance examinations and went on to pursue his film industry dreams after studying at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. He also has a degree in law.

Rahman is worthy son of Chennai: Karunanidhi

Chennai, Feb 23 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Monday hailed music maestro A.R. Rahman for his double win for "Slumdog Millionaire" at the 81st annual Academy Awards and said the Oscars were "precious jewels". He also wished Rahman more awards.

"Classic Tamil and six crore (60 million) Tamils are rejoicing over the pinnacle of achievement of this worthy son of Chennai," Karunanidhi said in a statement.

"I consider the awards won by Rahman as precious jewels in the crown of one of our own with pride. I join 100 crore (1 billion) Indians and six crore (60 million) Tamils in showering flowers of appreciation with pure minds on this scion from a minority community," he said.

He hoped Rahman would continue to win "thousands of awards".

Assembly speaker R. Auvudaiyappan congratulated Rahman.

"Tamil youth Rahman has made us hold our heads high in pride by winning the world's biggest accolade - Oscars - for his endeavour for 'Slumdog Millionaire'," he said in a statement.

"On behalf of our Chief Minister who strives for the betterment of all showbiz personalities and all the members of this August house, I greet this victorious compatriot," he added.

Composer A.R. Rahman created history by becoming the first Indian to bag two Oscars for his work in British filmmaker Danny Boyle's much acclaimed "Slumdog Millionaire".

Rahman got his first Oscar on Sunday night of the award function here for best original score for the Mumbai-based rags-to-riches drama. He shared the second Oscar for best original song for the film's theme number "Jai Ho" with noted Indian lyricist Gulzar.

Amitabh congratulates Rahman, Pookutty and Gulzar for Oscar win

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has described the Oscar wins for A.R. Rahman, Gulzar and Resul Pookutty for "Slumdog Millionaire" as the "happiest day for Indians and the film industry".

In a message posted on his blog, www.bigb.bigadda.com, Amitabh wrote: "My warmest and heartiest congratulations to A.R. Rahman and Resul (Pookutty) for winning recognition in music and sound and to Gulzar for co-assisting Rehman in the lyric category."

While Rahman bagged an individual Oscar for the best original score for the Danny Boyle-directed film, the ace composer shared the honour with Gulzar for their song "Jai ho�" featured at the end of the film.

Pookutty was awarded the golden statuette for the best sound mixing for the film.

It is for the first time in the history of the Academy Awards that three Indians have won the Oscar - considered the penultimate award in global cinema. The film won eight Oscars.

"International recognition for Indian film talent on one of the most well known and popular forums - this is the happiest day for Indians and the industry," said Amitabh.

Earlier, Amitabh had stoked a controversy by slamming "Slumdog Millionaire" as a film that "projects India as the Third World's dirty underbelly developing nation and causes pain and disgust among nationalists and patriots".

The film, based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel "Q&A", stars British Indian debutant Dev Patel and actress Freida Pinto in the lead, apart from Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan in pivotal roles.

Somnath Chatterjee congratulates Indian Oscar winners

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee Monday congratulated Gulzar, A.R. Rahman, Resul Pookutty of the "Slumdog Millionaire" and the team of "Smile Pinky" for having brought laurels to the nation by winning Oscars.

"The conferment of these prestigious Academy Awards is a resounding statement of India's ascendance in the world of quality entertainment," Chatterjee said in a statement.

"My congratulations to all those artistes, both visible and invisible, who made the 'Slumdog Millionaire' and the 'Smile Pinky' emerge as the best film and the best short film, respectively, at the awards function," the speaker said.

Composer A.R. Rahman, lyricist Gulzar and sound designer Resul Pookutty made history with three Oscars for the Mumbai-based "Slumdog Millionaire" that won eight of its 10 nominations.

'Slumdog' success a recognition of Indian talent, exults Mrinal Sen

Kolkata, Feb 23 (IANS) With Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman, lyricist Gulzar and sound technician Resul Pookutty bagging Oscar awards for their work in "Slumdog Millionaire", veteran filmmaker Mrinal Sen Monday said India's technical expertise has finally been recognised by the global audience.

"The sound mixing of the film was fabulous and I know many Bollywood sound engineers were part of the team. Their work has now been well accepted by the international audience," Sen told IANS.

"Though I have not been able to watch the film, I have seen some of the promos and listened to the songs. I liked it very much."

"In 'Slumdog Millionaire', the cocktail of film-making excellence and aggressive marketing strategy has successfully clicked," Sen added.

The rags-to-riches story of a Mumbai slum boy, directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle, bagged eight Oscar trophies at the 81st Academy Awards.

"I believe many Indian celluloid masterpieces like Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali' or 'Aparajito' should have got Academy Awards in individual categories. But Ray got the Oscar only for lifetime achievement.," Sen noted.

"But finally Indian film-making excellence has got recognition and I am extremely happy for it," said the octogenarian film director.

"Though I admit there must be a reflection of social facets in movies, how you present it is very important. Poverty is a reality in the third world and you cannot hide it. But this fact should be presented in a moderate and decent way."

"When Satyajit Ray made Pather Panchali, there was also a huge cry against the film that it showed India's poverty. But what is most interesting to me is that the film clearly depicted how a poor family in rural India dared to live with its social dignity," Sen said.

'Slumdog' success will bridge cinema's East-West gap: Irrfan Khan

Los Angeles, Feb 23 (IANS) Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who stars as a police inspector in "Slumdog Millionaire", is overwhelmed by the film's success at the Oscars and says it will bridge the gap between cinema in the East and the West.

"It feels good, it's fantastic. Audiences across Europe, America, everywhere have appreciated the movie. The film will lead to further collaborations between India and world cinema. Jai Ho," Irrfan told a news channel here.

Irrfan's co-star Anil Kapoor, who plays a game show host in the film, said: "It feels phenomenal. It feels great. We love Mumbai and we love India."

The rags-to-riches story of a Mumbai slum boy, directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle, baggged eight trophies at the 81st Academy Awards here Sunday.

The lead actors of the movie are debutant actors Dev Patel and Freida Pinto.

It's the finest hour of Indian cinema: Anand Sharma

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Lavishing praise on "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Smile Pinki" for winning the much-coveted Oscars, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Anand Sharma Monday said it was "the finest hour of Indian cinema" on the global stage.

The minister congratulated the "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Smile Pinky" team for winning the prestigious Oscar Awards, the information and broadcasting ministry said in a statement Monday.

In his message Sharma said that this is the finest hour of Indian cinema in the global scenario.

India's Oscar triumph will draw global attention to our cinema: Javed Akhtar

Mumbai, Feb 23 (IANS) Well-known lyricist Javed Akhtar says that he is not surprised by fellow writer Gulzar, technician Resul Pookutty and Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman's win at the Oscars. He says their success will bring global attention to Indian cinema.

"I'm not surprised by A.R. Rahman, Gulzar and Resul Pookutty bagging the honour. In fact, I quite expected Gulzar saab to win the Oscar and like all Indians, feel immensely proud and happy with their unprecedented achievement," Javed Akhtar told IANS.

Rahman bagged two golden statuettes - one for his original score in "Slumdog Millionaire" and the other for the original song "Jai ho" which he shared with lyricist Gulzar. Pookutty bagged the Oscar for sound mixing in British director Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches drama that swept eight of the Oscars at the 81st Academy Awards Sunday.

"Rahman is an acknowledged international talent and the Oscar will draw the world's attention to his music and Indian movies as a whole," Javed Akhtar said.

Talking about Pookutty, the veteran said: "Resul Pookutty's bagging the award symbolises that even technically India is at par with the rest of the world.

"Now that international awards have started coming to India, I am confident it will bring international show business also to India in a big way."

Pinki makes her village 'smile' after wooing Oscar jury

Lucknow, Feb 23 (IANS) Crackers were burst and sweets distributed in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur Dabai village Monday as "Smile Pinki", a documentary about a girl from the dusty hamlet whose cleft lip made her a social outcast, won an Oscar.

As American filmmaker Megan Mylan received the award for best short documentary in Los Angeles, residents of the village in Mirzapur district turned ecstatic.

Nirmala Devi, the mother of the film's protagonist Pinki Sonkar, was proud that her daughter's shy smile had managed to woo the jury of the 81st Academy Awards.

Hundreds of villagers, carrying cutouts of Pinki and raising slogans in praise of the little girl who was once ostracised because of her cleft lip, lined up outside Nirmala Devi's small hut to congratulate her.

"It's an honour for all of us that a poor girl has put this village on the international map," village head Pradeep Vishwakarma told IANS on phone.

"We were overjoyed when we saw on news channels that the documentary on Pinki had won an important award," he added.

Legislator Anil Kumar Maurya said: "Pinki has made not only Rampur Dabai village, but the entire country proud. She has achieved a feat which most of us had not even imagined."

The 39-minute documentary traces Pinki's journey from being ostracised to being treated like a normal girl after a social worker helped her undergo surgery.

Mylan says the happy ending inspired her to show Pinki's story.

"As a filmmaker who focuses on social issue documentaries, it is rare that I get into a film knowing we're likely to have a happy ending. So, I was excited to tell the story of this beautiful hospital and a team of doctors and social workers treating their patients with such compassion and quality care and making a positive impact," said Mylan.

Source :: mangalorean.com