Oscars 2025: India’s highs and lows at the Academy Awards – From ‘Naatu Naatu’ to ‘Lagaan'

As Hollywood gears up for the 97th Academy Awards on March 3 at the iconic Dolby Theatre in LA, India’s representation at the prestigious event is rather subdued this year. While the country’s official submission, Laapataa Ladies, failed to cut Best International Feature, there are still glimmers of hope. Anuja, a heartfelt 22-minute short film backed by Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has secured a nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category. Additionally, I Am Ready, Warden, a documentary short by Indian-origin American director Smriti Mundhra, has also earned a spot in the nominations.


Over the years, Indian cinema has carved a unique journey at the Oscars, with ten wins across various categories, including technical awards. In recent years, industry stalwarts such as Shabana Azmi, Vidya Balan, SS Rajamouli, and Rima Das have become part of the Academy’s growing and diverse voting body, which currently stands at 9,905 members. As we anticipate the upcoming awards, here’s a look back at some of India’s biggest milestones at the Academy Awards.



The Journey of Indian Cinema at the Oscars
Mother India’s Historic Nomination
India’s tryst with the Oscars began in 1958 when Mehboob Khan’s Mother India became the country’s first official submission for Best Foreign Language Film. The film made it to the final nominations but lost to Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria by just one vote. Khan, deeply invested in his film’s international campaign, had even sought financial support from Jawaharlal Nehru for the Oscars campaign. Notably, the sickle-and-hammer logo of Mehboob Productions was removed to avoid potential backlash in capitalist America.

Bhanu Athaiya Becomes India’s First Oscar Winner
In 1983, legendary costume designer Bhanu Athaiya made history by becoming the first Indian to win an Oscar. She shared the Best Costume Design award for Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi alongside John Mollo. A visionary in her field, Athaiya’s impact on global cinema extended far beyond the accolade.

Satyajit Ray’s Honorary Oscar
Renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray received an Academy Honorary Award in 1992, recognizing his monumental contribution to world cinema. Ailing in a Kolkata hospital, Ray accepted the honor via video, with Audrey Hepburn presenting the award on stage. His speech, infused with charm and wisdom, remains one of the most memorable moments in Oscar history.

‘Salaam Bombay!’ and ‘Lagaan’ Garner Nominations
Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! (1989) and Aamir Khan’s Lagaan (2002) both secured nominations in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Lagaan’s Oscar campaign was particularly challenging, with Khan and director Ashutosh Gowariker restricted from attending screenings for Academy members. Despite the hurdles, the film left a lasting impact on international audiences.

Slumdog Millionaire’s Oscar Sweep
Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire (2009) was a game-changer, winning eight Oscars out of ten nominations. Indian talents AR Rahman, Gulzar, and Resul Pookutty bagged awards for their contributions, with Jai Ho! becoming a global anthem. The film’s success was a defining moment for Indian representation at the Oscars.

Guneet Monga’s Rising Influence
Guneet Monga’s influence at the Oscars has been significant, with her executive-produced documentary Period. End of Sentence (2019) winning Best Documentary Short. She repeated her success with The Elephant Whisperers (2023) and is once again in the race with Anuja.

The ‘RRR’ Phenomenon
The 2023 Oscars witnessed a watershed moment with SS Rajamouli’s RRR making history. Naatu Naatu became the first Indian song to win Best Original Song, further cementing India’s growing influence on the global stage. Deepika Padukone’s presence as a presenter added to the moment’s significance.

‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and ‘All That Breathes’ Shine
At the 95th Academy Awards, The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short, while Shaunak Sen’s All That Breathes was nominated for Best Documentary Feature. The recognition of such films underscores India’s growing prowess in non-fiction storytelling.

Looking Ahead to Oscars 2025
As India continues to make strides at the Academy Awards, this year’s hopes rest on Anuja and I Am Ready, Warden. With an increasing number of Indian filmmakers gaining recognition on the global stage, the Oscars remain an exciting frontier for Indian cinema. Whether it’s through mainstream films, documentaries, or shorts, India’s storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and the future looks brighter than ever.