March 25 6.30am. The Oscars. Beamed live from Kodak theatre, Los Angeles.

Nothing new about that except that this year will see Indian hopes flying high for Lagaan. Will India awake to an Oscar? Nobody knows but everybody is definitely going to watch.

If not Aamir Khan walking away with the statue, at least Aamir Khan walking down the red carpet amongst the best of Hollywood.

Star TV which will air the event has already pegged its Oscar promotions on Lagaan's nomination. Will they be seeing the highest audience viewership ever? "I think so," says Raj Nayak, executive vice president, advertising and sales, Star Network.

"We've been showing the event for the past five years, but this year we're expecting to draw in the unconventional viewers. We've been promoting the Oscars with Lagaan on Star Plus, our biggest channel, so that people may be tempted to switch over to Star Movies and watch India's fate at the Oscars. "The event is being aired on the Star Movies.

But when it comes to revenue, Star was unable to capitalise on Lagaan's entry into the final five. "The sponsorship is sold five months in advance. Much before the excitement began. And we haven't changed any rates. "Eight sponsors have already signed on for the big night.

When it comes to numbers, Star is shy but says, "We're expecting a big chunk of audience. And definitely more for the evening repeat, "says Nayak, adding gleefully, "Monday is Muharram and a holiday, so you never know, we may even have a good audience the morning!"