10 matters, 13 doesn't
26 Jan 2009, 0208 hrs IST, ET Bureau
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Text:
While highlighting the 10 Osacar nominations for Slumdog Millionaire
(SM), the Indian media has not mentioned that The Curious Case Of
Benjamin Button
(BB) has topped with 13. The Indian media has justifiably gone ga ga over
the Oscar nominations for SM, a movie shot in Mumbai and utilising
Bollywood's creativity by way of music and actors.
SM is directed by Brit Danny Boyle and the screenplay adapted by Simon
Beaufoy. However, the screenplay is based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's
bestseller Q&A which tells the story of a slum chaiwallah who wins Kaun
Banega Crorepati because his experiences in the hard school of life have
taught him the answers to the quiz master's queries. Boyle himself has
stated he was inspired by Bollywood films on the Mumbai underworld like
Satya.
However, what is surprising is that the Indian TV news-channels on Thursday
did not mention that the Oscar nominations for 2008 was topped by BB. This
selective amnesia was carried over to Friday morning by the Indian print
media, with national newspapers highlighting the 10 Oscar nominations for SM
but not even mentioning the 13 for BB.
While the universal recognition for SM should gladden Indian hearts, it does
not mean that the 13 Oscar nominations for BB should be forgotten! Both SM
and BB have been nominated for major Oscars like best movie and best
director. However, BB has also been nominated in important categories where
SM has not figured, like best actor and best supporting actress. It is only
in the music category that SM has outshone BB on the nomination front.
A R Rahman competes with BB's Alexandre Desplat for the best original score.
Two numbers from SM have made the cut for the best original song — Rahman
and Gulzar for "Jai Ho" and Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam for "O Saya" —
where BB does not figure. However, 10 Oscar nominations should not eclipse
13.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Opinion/10_matters_13_doesnt/articleshow/4031588.cms
--
regards,
Vithur
