Indian Cinema is going up, and it is a very proud moment for one and all. Not so long ago, an ordinary film obtained a much-sought-after award called the Septimus award for the Best Asian Film. It did not belong to one individual; it happened to be a gift for all Indian filmmakers as it lets everyone know that Indian films could compete on a big stage not only in India but other parts of Asia as well. This award has caused such a shiver. It means that the world is taking notice of the films produced in India.
When I received the award, many people from all over the world were interested in talking to me. I walked around with the award in my hand, and I felt like a star. One famous actor, Cuba Gooding Jr., came up to me. He said he had heard of Bollywood and was excited about it. He had seen some Bollywood films. He said that they were full of music and dance, which is true. But I told him about my film, which is different. It is about football, which many people love.
I was happy and amazed when he got to know that I had a film. At one point, he even wanted to take a picture with me. It was a big moment for me. Since they were interested in stories from Indian directions-which is normally not sport-related-this becomes important because it means we can tell our stories to the world.
Many are today eagerly looking forward to the Oscars. Even I had hopes from my film. But again, these selectors of the Oscars have their reasons for choices. So, I also respect their decisions. Besides, this Laapataa Ladies is another great film, I believe. It may do well even at the Oscars. Karan, hats off for doing such a fantastic film!
There are many such underdog stories like that told in my film. It is a time when India was great in football. Many of you do not know this. We sportspersons with a rich history, and it is time we narrate that story. Football is the most popular game played by many people across the world, and it connects people from anywhere. This story will surely connect with people everywhere, I believe.
We have seen films like Lagaan go for the Oscars. It was a great film, and it deserved to win. But the competition is tough. The Oscars have many great films from all over the world. We need to make films that can compete with them. This is our responsibility as filmmakers.
Indian cinema is a huge culture and has a plethora of languages. We have so much to say. Winning an award is important, but making films that people love, which represent our culture, is even more important. It is time for us to rise above and make films that can shine on the world stage.
I will work on two projects. I have not yet decided which I should start first, but I am excited to start both. Both will bring something new and special to the audience. More details soon.
Ah, the number of awards does not matter much at all; the greatest pleasure is in crafting stories that touch hearts, and that is what we will keep doing: making movies that not only entertain but inspire Indians and the world. Indian cinema is going only up, and I am proud to be a part of it.