‘Slumdog is a turning point for Indian cinema’

The versatile Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who played quizmaster in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, the feel good film about a Mumbai tea-boy, has said the success of the movie will be a turning point for Indian cinema in reaching the global heights.
    
“It is a turning point in Indian Cinema. Bollywood has made its presence felt on the world platform. Now everybody knows who is A R Rahman, the ace music maestro and all the people connected with this film,” Anil Kapoor said.

Anil, a prominent National Award winning actor and producer of Bollywood, also said that he was overwhelmed by the response, the film has received so far.
    
He hoped that the film which had won seven awards including the Best Film, Best Director and Best Music at the recent BAFTA awards on Sunday here “will give a positive result” at the Oscars on February 22.
The film has received ten Oscar nominations. “Just being there (at the Oscars) to me personally is a very very proud moment. Today a film with Indian actors and Indian story has achieved world-stage and world-recognition. It is a huge box office success and it may emerge as the best film of the century,” Anil said.
The story of an 18-year-old slum boy from rags-to-riches is based on Indian diplomat-cum-author Vikas Swarup’s novel Q and A.
   
Owing to the success of the film, several Hollywood directors have evinced interest in joint ventures with Indian film producers, he said.
    
“All studio heads I met in Los Angeles and New York said they are looking at making films in India. They feel India has a lot to offer than any other country in terms of talent, funds and locations. As a matter of fact, Ad Labs has already started their investment and a lot of projects have already started rolling,” Anil said.
    
“I think, more than us it has opened opportunities for everybody. This has opened doors for everyone. We have to be slightly more broadminded in our view and large-hearted and grab this with both hands.”
   
Anil Kapoor, who left for Mumbai last night, said he would leave for New York on Feb 16 to be present at the Oscars ceremony at Los Angeles on February 22.
    
A versatile actor, Anil Kapoor has delivered many commercially successful films including “Karma”, “Taal” and “Mr India”.
    
He gave critically acclaimed performance as middle aged lover in Yash Chopra’s “Lamhe” and won first National Film Award in Best Actor category for “Pukar”.
(With inputs from Agencies)