Aamir congratulates Natha

It’s four cheers, not three, for Aamir Khan – it’s the fourth time he’s going to the Oscars! “Peepli Live” has been declared India’s official entry to the Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category, and there’s jubilation among the cast and crew about the nomination. Most of them are certain that director Anusha Rizvi’s surprise hit will win the Academy Award for India this time.
But for Aamir, it’s another genre and stereotype-defying feat.This is the fourth time that an Aamir film has made it to the nominations, after “Lagaan”, “Rang De Basanti” and “Taare Zameen Par”. Twice previously, he’s gone there as both producer and actor – for “Lagaan” and “TZP” – and once as director and actor, for “TZP”. With “Peepli Live”, he notches up his score, and for a movie that he hasn’t acted in, but only produced – another first. It’s hip, hip, hip and another hip hurray for Anusha and Aamir, say the film’s cast and crew!
We worked with sincerity
Our entry to the Oscars is great; I can only say that we should bring the honour home now. While shooting for the film, we didn’t think, let’s work hard so that we win the Oscars; we were just doing our work with sincerity. After watching Dhaniya, it’s hard even for me to believe that I’m an educated woman! I think it’s an honest film and that is why it has been picked. All credit to Anusha Rizvi and Mahmood Farooqui and the entire team for doing such credible work. I’m grateful I got to be a part of it
Shalini Vatsa/Dhaniya
It didn’t surprise me
Slumdog Millionaire” wasn’t ‘our’ movie. I got the news about “Peepli” from a friend in Mumbai. It didn’t surprise me. The picture of India shown in our movie has always appealed to the masses, whether in “Mother India”, “Lagaan” or “Peepli Live”. I just pray that we win
Vishal O Sharma/Deepak
I’d love to go to the oscars
I’m glad to have been a part of the film. I hope it wins the award too. And if that happens, I’d love to go and attend the function – provided I’m invited for it!
Farrukh Jaffer/Ammaji
I got a call from Aamir
I found out when I was watching the news on a TV channel. My excitement and happiness at that moment was indescribable. After a few hours, I even got a congratulatory call from Aamir Khan, who’s in London. I am certain that Bharatwasiyon ki shubhkamnao ke saath “Peepli Live” Oscar award zaroor jeetegi
Omkar Das Manikpuri/Natha
I’m sure we’ll win the oscar
Abhi toh sirf pehli seedhi chadhi hai. There is a long way to go. Many movies from across the world get nominated to the Oscars, and finally, it’s the best work that wins. I was very happy when I got a call from one of my best friends in Mumbai about the movie’s entry to the Oscars, and I’m sure “Peepli Live” will win the Oscar for India this time
Raghuvir Yadav/Budhiya
Aamir’s Oscar outings
‘Lagaan’ – actor, producer
‘Rang De Basanti’ – actor
‘TZP’ – actor, producer, director
‘Peepli Live’ – producer
(With inputs from Renu Singh, Iti Shree Misra, Akash Wadhwa and Eram Agha)
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