'We lost a genuine chance to win Oscar' : Happenings News : ApunKaChoice.Com


ApunKaChoice.Com	IndiaExpress.Com CricketZone.Com
Set as Homepage \| Add to favorites

HOME | SCOOP!! & NEWS | HAPPENINGS

Eklavya

'We lost a genuine chance to win Oscar'
17th Jan 2008 09.00 IST
By Agencies

Exit of India's official entry Eklavya from Oscars is not surprising as the "writing was on the wall", Oscar Film Selection Committee chairman Vinod Pande said Wednesday.

"The writing was on the wall when 'Eklavya' was chosen as India's official entry to Oscar despite the fact that we had a more deserving Bhavna Talwar's film 'Dharm', which should have been our official entry," Pande said in Mumbai.

"The film was extremely relevant as it showcased the turbulent times we are living in. It depicted the vicious atmosphere created by communal fundamentalism. Yet it was overlooked in favour of a big banner film. The result is for everyone to see," he said.

Pande was extremely critical of Film Federation of India's (FFI) handling of the entire issue of film selection and the controversy surrounding "'Eklavya's" selection.

"I am angry with the politics played by FFI. First they did not inform the committee that one of the members was associated with the making of promotional film for 'Eklavya'. Had we known this fact, we could have stopped him from voting."

"Then, despite the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences giving us an opportunity for course correction, FFI remained adamant on sending 'Eklavya' although we had three days in hand to send a fresh entry. The final result was 'Eklavya' was not even nominated," Pande said.

"The Government must take a good look at the working of FFI. It is the matter of honour of our country," he added.

Related
Eklavya