This is an incredible moment. My life will never be the same again!" Resul Pookutty exclaims. "Not even in dreams did I imagine that I would get such a big honour. I am particularly happy that I got an award for a film that was shot in my favourite city, Mumbai.''
Minutes after he bagged his award, the Oscar winner was on the phone with rediff, talking about his big win for Slumdog Millionaire in the Best Sound Mixing category.
He added that he would like to dedicate the award to India, especially to the film industry.
''I am really proud that I could do this for my country. I'm thrilled that I am winning this award for India," Pookutty said.
Vilakkupara, a tiny hamlet in Kerala, where he was born, erupted in cricket-style celebrations when the news was flashed on television channels. Almost 1,000 people turned up at his house, where mediapersons were part of the celebrations.
When informed about the celebration in Kerala, he said, "I am really happy. This could be one of Kerala's biggest moments. It is the perfect Shivratri gift for Keralites."
Pookutty is now planning to direct a Malayalam film -- an adaptation of well-known writer Anand's Govardhanante Yatrakal --starring Mammooty.
For those who missed Resul's acceptance speech at the Oscars, here it is: 'This is unbelievable. We can't believe this. Ladies and gentlemen... sorry... I share the stage with two magicians, you know, who created the very ordinary sounds of Bombay, the cacophony of Bombay, into a soul-stirring, artful resonance called Slumdog Millionaire.
I come from a country and a civilization that given the universal word. That word is preceded by silence, followed by more silence. That word is 'Om.' So I dedicate this award to my country. Thank you, Academy, this is not just a sound award, this is history being handed over to me. My sincere and deepest gratitude to my teachers, Danny Boyle, Christian Colson, Paul Ritchie, Pravesh... and everybody who has contributed to this film, Glenn Freemantle and all the sound mixers. I dedicate this to you guys. Thank you, Academy. Thank you very much.