This year`s biggest blockbuster "Lagaan" which has won accolades at home and abroad for its humane theme, has been nominated as India`s official entry for the Oscar awards in the category of best foreign language film.
The decision to nominate "Lagaan" for Oscar was announced on Saturaday evening by Film Federation of India (FFI), the official nominating body that sends one film every year to the academy of motion pictures and screens to compete in the category of "best foreign language film". Describing the decision of the jury as "judicious", producer-actor of the film Aamir Khan said, "I am very thrilled to hear the news". "The decision of the jury was unanimous,” said Supram Sen, secretary FFI. Ten films were screened along with "Lagaan" before the jury appointed by FFI. Head of the jury and vice-president of Indian motion pictures producers` association Sushma Shiromani, said "It was a unanimous decision. Lagaan is simply the best film, a truely Indian film and so everyone chose it". "I thank the jury for selecting Lagaan. We now hope it will make it to the list of five Oscar-nominated films for the best foreign language film,” says its director Ashutosh Gowarikar. Bureau Report