Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone recently made headlines with her candid remarks about India’s history with the Academy Awards (Oscars). In a recent interview, she expressed her belief that India has been “robbed” of deserving recognition multiple times at the Oscars, citing the lack of wins for many exceptional films and performances from the country over the years.
Deepika, who herself has gained international recognition with roles in Hollywood films like ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’, reflected on India’s contributions to global cinema and the Oscars’ long-standing oversight of the country’s talent.
Deepika Padukone on India’s Struggles at the Oscars
In her interview, Deepika Padukone pointed out how Indian cinema, despite its widespread influence and global audience, has been overlooked by the prestigious Oscars on numerous occasions. “India has been robbed of so many Oscars, especially when you look at the exceptional talent and films we have produced over the years,” she said.
While India has submitted numerous films for the Best International Feature Film category, many have failed to secure nominations or wins. Despite India’s rich cinematic history, with films like ‘Lagaan’, ‘Mother India’, and ‘Pather Panchali’, which were critically acclaimed and gained international recognition, India’s presence at the Oscars has been limited.
Deepika also noted that Indian cinema often faces challenges due to the Oscars’ bias towards Western filmmaking, pointing out how films from non-English speaking countries are often overlooked despite their brilliance.
RRR’s Historic Win and Deepika’s Emotional Reaction
Deepika also opened up about how she felt emotional when ‘RRR’, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, won at the Oscars, particularly in the Best Original Song category for ‘Naatu Naatu’. The win was a historic moment for Indian cinema, and Deepika shared her joy at seeing Indian talent finally being recognized on the global stage.
“I think RRR’s win was a landmark moment for us. I was so emotional, so happy that an Indian film had made such a significant impact at the Oscars,” she said. The success of ‘Naatu Naatu’ was a source of immense pride for Deepika, as it marked a breakthrough moment for Indian music and dance globally.
For Deepika, the Oscar win for ‘Naatu Naatu’ wasn’t just about the song itself but also about the recognition of Indian cinema on a world stage that has long been dominated by Western filmmakers. She expressed that it was a sign of hope and possibility for future Indian films and artists, believing that the global recognition of Indian talent will pave the way for more opportunities for Indian cinema in the future.
India’s Journey at the Oscars
India’s journey at the Oscars has been a long and somewhat challenging one. While Indian films have often been submitted in the Best International Feature Film category, only a few films have garnered significant attention, such as ‘Lagaan’ (2001), which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, and ‘Gully Boy’ (2019), which was selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars. However, India has yet to win a competitive Oscar for a feature film.
Despite this, Indian cinema has made its presence felt globally, with Indian actors like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, and Irrfan Khan working in Hollywood and gaining recognition. Films like ‘Life of Pi’, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, and ‘The Lunchbox’ have also showcased the country’s talent to international audiences, but India continues to face challenges in securing consistent recognition at the Oscars.
Deepika’s Role in Breaking Barriers
As one of the most prominent Indian actresses in Hollywood today, Deepika Padukone is at the forefront of breaking barriers for Indian talent in global cinema. With her work in films like ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ and her upcoming Hollywood project with Hollywood director Tina Fey, Deepika has already carved a niche for herself on the global stage.
Her candid remarks about India being “robbed” of Oscars in the past reflect her passion for promoting Indian talent and ensuring that the world recognizes the immense potential of Indian cinema and its artists. She also noted how important it is for Indian actors and filmmakers to continue pushing boundaries and making their voices heard on international platforms like the Academy Awards.
The Future of Indian Cinema at the Oscars
Deepika’s comments have sparked a conversation about the future of Indian cinema at the Oscars. With the success of films like ‘RRR’ and the increasing international recognition of Indian artists, there’s a growing hope that Indian cinema will continue to receive the recognition it deserves.
Filmmakers like S. S. Rajamouli, Zoya Akhtar, and Rian Johnson are paving the way for Indian films to break into the global market, and Deepika Padukone is leading by example as one of the faces of Indian talent on the world stage.
Conclusion
Deepika Padukone’s reflections on India’s struggle at the Oscars highlight a deeper conversation about the challenges Indian cinema faces in the global film industry. Her emotional reaction to ‘RRR’ winning at the Academy Awards serves as a reminder that while India has often been overlooked, there is hope that the future holds more recognition for Indian films and artists.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve and reach new heights, Deepika Padukone’s international success and her dedication to promoting Indian talent globally may very well help break down the barriers that have kept Indian cinema from receiving the recognition it truly deserves on the world stage.
