I simply feel elated, says Resul Pookutty

The 36-year-old Resul Pookutty, who won the coveted Oscar for best sound mixing for the critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire" at the 81st Academy Awards, expressed elation and said the experience was "very fulfilling".

"I simply feel elated. I can't put my feelings into words! It is the highest recognition any film technician can ever achieve. To be the first from India to be recognised by my peers in the Academy in its 80-year history is a very, very fulfilling feeling," Pookutty told IANS from Los Angeles after winning the award on Sunday.

He admitted to being nervous during the crescendo towards the denouement.

"The adulations and prayers of a billion people made me nervous. (But) I am sure they helped me win this award. However, I went in with an open mind to enjoy the show," Pookutty said.

Life for Pookutty has suddenly changed "immensely".

"I suddenly have become a celebrity. The attention is helping me to talk about the work of the best technicians in the industry. I have become one of its known faces. Else, nothing has changed as I will continue my 13 years' effort," he observed.

Pookutty had a special word for fellow winner and mentor A.R. Rahman.

"After we both won the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), Rahman said I should start a sound design school In India. I told him that his Oscar is the most deserving for all those 135 films for which he scored music. If anybody deserves an Oscar from India first, it is indeed him."

Sporting a special made-for-the-occasion Indian outfit, Pookutty had worked on his acceptance speech with the help of colleagues Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke.

According to Pookutty, his wife Shadia applauded his laurel from her seat in the Kodak Theatre with tension writ large on her face - not only during the run-up to his receiving the award, but also for their two young children back home in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, his family was in tears, villagers crowding around a TV set in front of his house here cheered and plates of sweets did the rounds as Pookutty became the first Indian to bag an Oscar for best sound mixing for critically acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire".

Tension had built up in the neighbourhood as the Oscar for sound editing did not go to "Slumdog Millionaire", but shouts of joy broke out when Pookutty, 36, was declared the winner for sound mixing.

"We decided to place a TV in front of our home because since last evening the mood was building up. He (Pookutty) called me last night and said it is going to be tough," said Byju P.T., the Oscar winner's elder brother.

The ones who could not hide their happiness were his two sisters who had tears rolling down their cheeks in Vilakupara village, about 50 km from the Kerala capital.

"We just can't hide our emotions and I don't know what to say," said one of his sisters.

As Pookutty was set to make his acceptance speech in faraway Los Angeles, hundreds of villagers waited spellbound.

The minute the award was announced, plateful of sweets did the rounds among the ecstatic villagers who had been glued to the television since 6.30 a.m.

Saifuddin, another brother of Pookutty, thanked Allah for the honour bestowed on their family.

"We are humbled that this has happened in my family and an award many felt he would never won," Saifuddin said.

Wishes poured in for Pookutty from Malayalam film stars and state ministers as well.

"He has reached the real heights in the film industry. Though he is a Malayali, he is yet to work in a Malayalam film. This is because sound has not got its due share here. Now things will change," said Malayalam superstar Mammootty.

State Culture Minister M.A. Baby couldn't stop praising Pookutty.

"This is unbelievable for Kerala and for the country. Resul has got it at the prime of his youth ... this is what is more exciting. Hard work pays off and this is going to be a great impetus for all in the film industry," Baby said.

Pookutty was the youngest of eight children and had a passion for films right from his young days. However, his father was keen that he become a doctor, but Resul failed the medical entrance examinations and went on to pursue his film industry dreams after studying at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. He has also got a degree in law.

Indo-Asian News Service