Straight answers
TNN | Nov 5, 2004, 11.27 PM IST
Ashutosh
Gowarikar, Filmmaker, On becoming a
member of the directors'' branch at the Oscar
committee
How do you feel about becoming part of the elite crowd?
It feels nice to be a part of the directors branch of the Oscar committee. I am very pleased. After all, the academy is the highest one can go in cinema. It is considered to be the Olympics of cinema and I feel honoured to be a part of this esteemed body.
What does this membership entitle you to do?
I have become a member of the directors branch who are entitled to vote for films in the main category of films and not the foreign film. Besides, I will have access to the Academy''s library which has the world''s best collection of films.
Has there been any other Indian who has been a member?
I think Bhanu Athaiya who designed the costumes for Gandhi and won an Oscar for it is also a member jury.
How was the appointment done?
It is actually by default. According to the Academy rules whoever gets nominated finds a place in the committee.
Why did it take so long because Lagaan happened a couple of years back?
I knew about it and was waiting for them to get in touch. The formalities and paperwork takes a long time which is perhaps the reason for the delay.
So you will be voting for next year''s Oscars?
Yes, I guess so. They will be sending me all the stuff by December and I can do it from here itself. I am not required to go there.
Do you feel that your membership at the Academy will affect your next release Swades?
I don''t think so. It is simply a coincidence.
sharmistha.chatterjee@timesgroup.com
How do you feel about becoming part of the elite crowd?
It feels nice to be a part of the directors branch of the Oscar committee. I am very pleased. After all, the academy is the highest one can go in cinema. It is considered to be the Olympics of cinema and I feel honoured to be a part of this esteemed body.
What does this membership entitle you to do?
I have become a member of the directors branch who are entitled to vote for films in the main category of films and not the foreign film. Besides, I will have access to the Academy''s library which has the world''s best collection of films.
Has there been any other Indian who has been a member?
I think Bhanu Athaiya who designed the costumes for Gandhi and won an Oscar for it is also a member jury.
How was the appointment done?
It is actually by default. According to the Academy rules whoever gets nominated finds a place in the committee.
Why did it take so long because Lagaan happened a couple of years back?
I knew about it and was waiting for them to get in touch. The formalities and paperwork takes a long time which is perhaps the reason for the delay.
So you will be voting for next year''s Oscars?
Yes, I guess so. They will be sending me all the stuff by December and I can do it from here itself. I am not required to go there.
Do you feel that your membership at the Academy will affect your next release Swades?
I don''t think so. It is simply a coincidence.
sharmistha.chatterjee@timesgroup.com