Rahman with Oscar

The Indian hero among the nominees is Rahman, with three nominations — one for original score and two for original songs (Jai Ho and O Saya). “I’m happy to have done India proud. But I’m happier for Boyle, Resul (Pookutty) and every Indian crew member involved in the project. It’s all a team work. I hope we will bring the Oscars home,” Rahman told The Indian Express by phone. “I’m surprised at the same time because I didn’t expect three nominations. Credit should go to Gulzarji who wrote Jai Ho.”

Only two Indians have won the Oscar till date — Bhanu Athaiya (for costume design in “Gandhi”) and Satyajit Ray who was given an honourary Oscar for his contribution to films. In 1982, “Gandhi” was nominated for 11 and won eight.

The Slumdog Millionaire nominations, on the eve of the Indian release of the film, turned its star-studded premiere today at the Imax theatre in india a celebration party. A beaming Boyle, introduced, raved about and rooted for his cast and crew, especially the six young actors and his co-director Loveleen Tandan.