Lagaan lost at Los Angeles. But Bollywood stars say this is only the beginning. The fact that the film made it to the last five is an achievement in itself, they say.

Manisha Koirala:
"I'm disappointed that Lagaan didn't win. I woke up early just to catch the awards. Anyway, the very fact that a commercial movie such as Lagaan is such a huge hit and has made it to the Oscars - among the top five in the Best Foreign Film category -- is a great achievement. Even more so since it was not meant to be an arty film, but was a commercial hit. We are all very proud of Aamir and his team."

Subhash Ghai:
"I personally feel winning is not important. Playing well in the field is more important. Lagaan has played very well in the global scenario, and it has drawn the attention of the whole world to the fact that there are Indians who can make a good film. And that they have been neglected for the last two or three decades. So it is a beginning; there will be many more movies which will follow in Lagaan's footsteps, and they will certainly win Oscars. There's no need to lose heart. I would say it is already a victory of sorts."

Javed Akhtar:
"I think we should learn from this. Lagaan reached the finals at the Oscars not only because it is a good film, but also because Aamir had the conviction to promote it and push it in such a way that everyone of the jury was aware of it. Not every producer can afford to, or is capable of doing this. I think the government and authorities responsible should have a budget to promote the film that is selected to represent the nation. Also, we should be very careful selecting films, especially since very indifferent films have been sent in the past."

Aditi Govitrikar:
"I didn't even know Lagaan had not won the Oscar. I'm at the airport on my way to Singapore. I was just about to call home to find out who won. I guess it was just bad luck. What more can one say?"

Anu Malik:
"He hasn't won? This is really sad. I am so, so, so disappointed!"

Jugal Hansraj:
"Obviously one was hoping that Lagaan would win the Oscar. I have not seen the other films, but I think Lagaan was a brilliant film and it certainly deserved the award. Anyway, I feel Aamir has done a great job on his own by promoting his film and taking it to such heights. He's taken the first step, and I am sure others will take up from there. Indian films have done well in Asian markets, but this will open up the Western market too. As for the award, better luck to India next time."

Bikram Saluja:
"I think Lagaan is totally out of this world -- Oscar or no Oscar. I'm proud of the fact that the film represented India at the Oscars, which shows what a great film it is. And I salute Aamir and Ashutosh's conviction. They actually went completely against the norm -- no designer clothes, no foreign locales. Moreover, he used the Awadhi dialect, and the film's run time was more than three hours! Also, the Oscar is not the stamp of approval. I think it is the people who have already given the film its true award."

John Abraham:
"I think more than being sad about the whole thing, I am happy that an Indian film has made it to the Oscars. I think Aamir's Lagaan has shown the way. It's hopefully goodbye to clichéd scripts and welcome to meaningful cinema!"

Shamita Shetty:
"I think just making it to the Oscars is a great achievement. Lagaan is a great film. It's okay if it didn't win the Oscar, that doesn't change anything."

Isha Kopikar:
"I was really upset. Especially since he's been my hero since his QSQT days. I think he is one actor who performs from his heart. Anyway I think it is a great achievement just to be nominated for an Oscar. So I am with him all the way."

Lisa Ray:
"I'd rather not say anything on this!"