The tension reached breakpoint even before the sun rose over Mumbai. And it was evenly spread over three separate venues, amidst anxious individuals huddled around television sets, waiting for the moment of truth.

Would Lagaan beat Amelie, No Man's Land, Elling and My Son's Bride to snatch the Best Foreign Film Oscar at the 74th Annual Academy Awards?

As the ceremony unfolded, all eyes scouted the length and breadth of the TV screen, hoping to catch a glimpse of India's dynamic duo, Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker.

9.05 am, ashutosh GOWARIKER'S RESIDENCE, Khar-Pali Road:
The Lagaan director's parents wake up their two grandsons early to catch papa at the Oscars. While it's tough for five-year-old Vishwang to concentrate, elder brother Konark is spellbound. "We set the living room clock to LA time and wrote down a list of special programmes on the Oscars," says Ashutosh's mum, Kishori, "just so we didn't miss anything." When the results are out, the proud mother refuses to let it dampen her spirits. "Ashu called me and I told him not to worry. He's done us proud just by making one of the five best films in the world."

9.35 am, TAHIR HUSSAIN's (aamir's father) Residence, Pali Hill:
"Why is it taking them so long to get to the Best Foreign Film category," wonders Faisal, Aamir Khan's younger brother. Each minute seems like an hour. Aamir's family decides to break for food. But just a the kebabs and puris are brought in, Sharon Stone and John Travolta prance in to announce the nominations. "Quiet, everyone," snaps Aamir's sister, Nikhat. The scrumptious kebabs are forgotten as prayers are said fervently. The prayers don't help. But as Danis Tanovic flaunts his Oscar for No Man's Land, Aamir's dear ones take things in the right spirit. "Look at the flipside," points out Faisal. "The film got nominated and that's big enough."

10.30 am, AAMIR KHAN PRODUCTIONS office, Santa Cruz:
Lagaan's rustic cricket team can't help but show its disappointment. Amin Haji, who plays Bagha in the cricket opus, speaks to Aamir within minutes of the ceremony ending. "All he said was that there couldn't have been a better film than No Man's Land to win," he says. "Bosnia is a war-torn land and such a positive film from there is incredible." While Aamir tries to console his team, nothing can stop the tears. Says Bagha, "Never mind. We'll win it next time."