By the time you read this, the fate of the Indian entry - Lagaan -at the Oscars would have finally been decided.

The news of its nomination for the best foreign film category was enough for everyone in the film industry, or even remotely connected with the film, grab a 'bite' with their views about the film's winning chances.

But there was also a section which was thoroughly ignored. They were there with the film crew since the time the first shot was canned: the residents of Kutch..
One among them is Dr Gyaneshwar Rao. Dr Rao was almost like a family doctor to the whole unit. It was one chance which put him in the company of the unit. He recalls, "While shooting, one of the British ladies fell ill and was taken to some doctor. But somehow Aamir was not satisfied with the treatment which was given to her. It was then that some local person suggested my name to him.

"After that we became like a close-knit family. I treated Raghuvir Yadav for appendicitis and A K Hangal too after he suffered a fracture. I am still in touch with them and a few days back I posted my best wishes to them for the Oscars."

The doctor is confident of the film's chances at the Academy Awards.
Pradeep Joshi heads the Bhuj Drama Artist Group and out its 50 odd members, 18 members were selected after going through the initial screening tests. Joshi was one of them. He says, "I am very optimistic about the film winning an Oscar."

Sahajanand Tower was the building where the crew had put up. Its ownership laid with builder Bharat Chothani. Unfortunately the building became a victim of last year's killer earthquake. Chothani reminisces, "The building was leased to the Lagaan unit and on Khan's instruction it was converted into a makeshift hotel. They later on fitted ACs too."
He also is hopeful of the film winning an Oscar."

Just to have a dekko, try visiting connected websites. Destiny and the jury did not favour Mother India, and Salaam Bombay. Let's see if Lagaan succeeds in breaking the jinx and proves third time lucky.