I'm presently in New Zealand shooting for a Telugu film with Prabhudeva. We've been filming a dance sequence, and it's difficult for me to concentrate because I missed the pre-Oscar excitement and the post-event disappointment. My heart is with the Lagaan team.

We couldn't catch the Oscars live where we're shooting. But I managed a glimpse of it on CNN. I kept track of everything on the phone. In fact, when the Oscar for the foreign film was being announced, I was on the phone and my heart stopped beating for a second.

We failed to bring the trophy home, but no way should that dampen our spirits. Lagaan has made history. It's a winner, anyway. It is Aamir Khan's effort that has made India proud.

The way Lagaan managed to make it to the Oscars is inspiring. Sometimes just making a good film is not enough; it needs to be marketed properly. Aamir's effort is an example of emerging triumphant against all odds. We must salute his spirit.

I hope Aamir and the rest of the team doesn't take it too hard. Lagaan has opened up doors for Indian cinema in the international market, and that by itself is an achievement.