Indian film industry is on a boom these days, with movies crossing 300 crore mark and actors having rock star statuses. Our movies have excelled well at the international level and we want more of them to bring bigger glories like the Golden Globes and Academies back home. We recently saw the Golden Globes and now another biggie, the Oscars is on its way having all the nominations announced. Since 1957 - the first time an Indian movie went to the Oscars - Indian filmmakers, technicians and movies have had great attempts at getting hands on the golden statue. Here're some of the proudest moments of India at the Oscars;
1. When 'Mother India' made as the first official entry in the 'Best Foreign Film Section' way back in 1957
The epic melodrama directed by Mehboob Khan and which starred actors like Nargis, Sunil Dutt and Rajendra Kumar was a perfect portrayal of an Indian mother abandoned by her husband and left with two kids to survive. Set on a rural backdrop, the movie was a fine representation of an ideal Indian woman. Apart from winning several prestigious Filmfare Awards, Nargis Dutt also won the best actress at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival held at Czech Republic.
2. When in 1988 'Salaam Bombay' made through as the second official selection
This 1988's grey chronicle directed by Mira Nair, on the lives of street children living in Mumbai was highly acclaimed by both domestic and international critics. Apart from winning several awards for best film at National Film Awards, Cannes and Montreal World Film Festival, the movie was also listed in "The Best 1000 Movies Ever Made" by the New York Times. You need to take a 'salaam' indeed!
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3. When 'Lagaan' was nominated in 2001
Aamir Khan starrer "Lagaan" made our third entry to the Academy. Based on the Victorian era, when British started their rule in India, the movie relates the story of an unsung hero Bhuvan, who interestingly challenges and defeats the British in their home game of cricket. The entire fresh concept was well received by people and critics alike and it went onto become a huge hit. In 2010, Empire magazines gave it a 55th position in its list of "The 100 Best Films of World Cinema" and in 2011; it claimed a position in "The All-TIME 25 Best Sports Movies".
4. When India also made an entry in the list of Best Documentaries
Apart from the entries to best foreign film section, Indian filmmakers came out good at the 'short documentary section'. Vidhu Vinod Chopra's short documentary directorial debut "An Encounter with Faces" won a nomination in the 'Best Documentary on Short Subjects' in the Oscars of 1978.
5. And that too twice!
Another short documentary, titled "Little Terrorist" made by Ashwin Kumar, son of fashion designer Ritu Kumar, was nominated in the same category in 2004.
6. When Indians also made a mark in Academy's technical areas
Well these were the nominations, but the time we really felt proud was in 1982 when Bhanu Athaiya won the award for the 'Best Costume Designer' for "Gandhi" a biopic on Mahatma Gandhi by Richard Attenborough. Amazingly the actor who played the titular role is also of Indian origin - Sir Ben Kingsley born Krishna Pandit Bhanji!
7. When Indian filmmakers won a nomination as a separate entity
Filmmaker Deepa Mehta's "Water" was also nominated to the 'Best Foreign Film Category', albeit not from India but Canada. The movie starring John Abraham, Lisa Ray and Seema Biwas was all shot in Indian settings, but its producer David Hamilton belonged to Canada; nonetheless it still made us proud.
8. When Slumdog Millionaire made a huge impact
"Slumdog Millionaire" was the real game changer and made 2008 the best year for Indian cinema at the Oscars bringing 3 awards (out of the multiple nominees) to Indian shores. Music Maestro, AR Rahman won it big with 'Best Original Score' and 'Best Original Song' along with lyricist Gulzar. Indian sound engineer Russell Pookutty won the award for 'Best Sound Mixing' (along with Ian Tapp and Rochard Pryke). Though the movie was made by the British director Danny Boyle, it was shot entirely in India with an entire Indian cast with names like Anil Kapoor and Irfan Khan in it.
9. When Indian actors made valuable contribution
Speaking of Indian casts in Oscar nominated movies, who can forget Anupam Kher's role in the 2012 film 'Silver Linings Playbook', where he shared screen space with Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro himself. Even last year we saw superstar Amitabh Bachchan holding pivotal roles in "The Great Gatsby". Both the movies were also nominated at the prestigious Cannes Festival, the Golden Globes and the BAFTA Awards.
10. When Life of Pi proved the Indian mettle again
Ang Lee directed "Life of Pi" was another mega hit which came as a surprise at the Oscars and swept bigger categories including the 'Best Director'. The movie again had a substantial Indian cast with Irfan Khan, Tabu and debutant Suraj Sharma on board.
11. When Satyajit Ray was given an honorary Oscar
Iconic actor and director Satyajit Ray was awarded an honorary Oscar by the Academy for his lifetime achievements in 1992. As he was bed ridden due to illness that time, he couldn't attend the function; nonetheless his favourite actress Audrey Hepburn flew all the way to present him the award.
This year we send "Liar's Dice", a road drama movie to the Oscars, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Geetanjali Thapa couldn't impress the jury. We keep our finger crossed and wait for a truly magnificent one to enter the competition next year.