Makers of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar claim film as official submission for ‘Oscars’: FFI clarifies
Mumbai: After the official announcement of Kiran Rao’s directorial Laapataa Ladies being selected as India’s entry for the Oscars, the makers of Randeep Hooda-starrer Swatantrya Veer Savarkar caused controversy by claiming on social media that their film was also officially submitted for the prestigious award, IndianExpress reported.
The post, shared by the film's co-producers, Sandeep Singh and Anand Pandit, on Instagram, expressed gratitude to the Film Federation of India (FFI) for their "remarkable appreciation," leading to widespread confusion. The post stated, “Honored and humbled! Our film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar has officially been submitted for the Oscars. Thank you Film Federation of India for this remarkable appreciation.”
However, FFI President Ravi Kottakara debunked these claims, clarifying that only Laapataa Ladies had been officially submitted by India for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. He labeled the communication from the Swatantrya Veer Savarkar team as misleading, stating that “only Laapataa Ladies has been sent for the Oscars from India officially.”
While Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was among the 29 films initially considered by the FFI for India’s official Oscar submission, it was ultimately not selected. Despite this, the makers can independently submit their film to the Academy, which is allowed under the rules, although it would not carry the weight of an official country endorsement.
It is worth noting that, in 2022, SS Rajamouli's blockbuster RRR was independently submitted to the Oscars, despite Last Film Show being India’s official selection, and went on to win the Best Original Song category for "Naatu Naatu." Similarly, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi was independently submitted in several key categories the same year.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
