'Lage Raho..'. to apply for Oscars as independent entry

Mumbai, Sep 29 (UNI) Overwhelmed by the response from fans and audiences globally, producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra has decided to send his latest release 'Lago Raho Munnabhai' to the Oscars as an independent entry.

Ken Naz of Eros International, US will prepare the application to seek entry for the film at the Oscars in the foreign film category, Mr Chopra said.

Speaking about his decision to send his film as a contender to the popular award function in the United States, Mr Chopra told mediapersons that the record number of fan mails that he has received from across the world have supported his belief and inspired him to go ahead with sending the film across to the academy as an independent entry.

''We strongly believe that 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' is a film that should be screened at all international film festivals,'' he added.

He said, ''Our belief has been further strengthened by an invitation extended to us by the University of South California (USC) for a special screening of 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' on October 27, which has been organised by their cinema students and the Press from Hollywood. USC is one of the top film schools in North America. Many notable filmmakers like George Lucas, Ron Howard, James Ivory and Walter Salles among others have graduated from USC.'' Early this week, UTV's 'Rang De Basanti' trounced 'Lage Raho...' in the race to be selected as India's official entry into the foreign film category at the Oscars.

UNI MR KU SB HT1404