*A.R. Rahman: I am so elated … we've been waiting for 80 years * ** Meera Srinivasan
------------------------------ * Gulzar: It opens new avenues for Indian artistes Boyle's "dispassionate intensity" hailed Irrfan: The Oscars are just a shot away 'Only a foreigner could have made such a film' * ------------------------------ CHENNAI: When A.R. Rahman bagged three Oscar nominations on Thursday, one for original score and two in the original song category — 'Jai Ho,' with lyricist Gulzar and 'O saya' with lyricist Maya Arulpragasam — it was a dream come true for India. "We have been waiting for this for nearly 80 years, haven't we?" I am so elated," A.R. Rahman told *The Hindu* on Thursday, soon after the nominations were declared. Another nomination for the film in the sound mixing category has added to his joy. "I am really happy. I hope we get at least one award," he said with a chuckle. "It is an amazing moment. I cannot wait for the announcement," he said, one month ahead of the Oscars night when Indians may have a chance to hold one or more of the coveted statuettes. These are among the 10 nominations that the Golden Globe-winning Slumdog Millionaire got. 'A landmark moment' *Ziya Us Salam* reports from Jaipur: The Hindi film industry is overjoyed at the nominations, with the reactions ranging from a "landmark moment" to a "very happy occasion" for the country. Hours before the nominations were announced, popular author Vikas Swarup on whose book, 'Q & A,' the screenplay of Danny Boyle's film is based, said half in jest, "The film has won four Golden Globes. It will now be nominated for three Oscars." The words, spoken at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival, proved prophetic. Noted lyricist Gulzar, who has written songs for the film, said: "I am very happy. It is a very significant occasion. Any nomination for an award as prestigious as the Oscar opens new avenues for Indian artistes." Refusing to speculate whether the film will finally win any award, he said: "The nomination itself in three categeories is worthy of praise." Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt felt the industry has something to cheer about, and it brings the world's attention to our films, even if 'Slumdog Millionaire' is not technically an Indian film." Noted actor Irrfan, who has also done an important role in the film, said: "The Oscars are just a shot away." Hailing Boyle for his work, he felt only a foreigner could have made the film with the "dispassionate intensity" that the subject needed. Mahesh Manjrekar, who has a cameo in the film, said: "I'm feeling on top of the world. The film has a certain x-factor which is difficult to describe, but worked well for the film." http://www.hindu.com/2009/01/23/stories/2009012355381200.htm -- regards, Vithur
