The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, also known as the Oscars, witnessed a moment of pride for the Indian film industry. Two Indian films, ‘The White Tiger’ and ‘The Disciple,’ received recognition in their respective categories, with the former winning the award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Jaya Bachchan, Samajwadi Party MP and actor, expressed her joy and appreciation for the industry’s success, calling it a significant moment for India’s image on the global stage.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Jaya Bachchan stated that she was thrilled to see Indian talent being recognised internationally. She went on to say, “I am proud to be an Indian, and I am proud that our talent has been recognised internationally. It was found earlier also, and it is still found, and it is also very important. These are the films which give international shape to the image of our country.”
‘The White Tiger,’ a Netflix original film, is an adaptation of Aravind Adiga’s novel of the same name. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, the film explores the struggles of a poor Indian driver who aims to rise above his circumstances by becoming a successful entrepreneur. The film’s screenplay, which was written by Ramin Bahrani himself, won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay at the ceremony.
The second Indian film to receive recognition at the Oscars was ‘The Disciple.’ The Marathi-language film, directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, follows the journey of a young classical singer who strives to become a master in his art form. Though it did not win any awards, the film received critical acclaim and was nominated in the Best International Feature Film category.
Jaya Bachchan’s appreciation for Indian cinema’s success at the Oscars is not surprising, given her own illustrious career in the film industry. She has acted in over 100 films and has won numerous awards, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. Bachchan has also been a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, since 2004.
The Indian film industry has come a long way since its inception over a century ago. From the silent era of Dadasaheb Phalke’s ‘Raja Harishchandra’ to the modern-day masterpieces of filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Indian cinema has evolved and diversified over the years. Today, the industry produces over 2,000 films annually, making it the largest film industry in the world.
Indian films have also received recognition at international film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Toronto. Films like ‘Lagaan,’ ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ and ‘Newton’ have been nominated for or won Academy Awards in the past. The success of Indian films on the global stage not only showcases the country’s cultural diversity but also provides a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills.
Jaya Bachchan’s appreciation for Indian cinema’s success at the Oscars is a reminder of the industry’s potential and its contribution to the country’s soft power. As India continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the film industry can serve as a bridge between different cultures and ideologies. By showcasing the best of Indian art and culture to the world, Indian cinema can help build stronger ties with other nations and foster a sense of global community.