AlwaysIndian.com

Music has always been an integral part of the Indian culture. It truly binds people from different cultures together.

Such is the case with Anoop Desai, a 22 year old Indian-American college student who has been making waves in American Idol Season 8. If you may remember he is not the first American Idol contestant of Indian origin to reach the top 12 finalists. In the earlier season a 17 year old Sanjaya Malakar became one of the most talked-about singers in Idol history when he outlasted early favorites and finished in seventh place.

However, Anoop Desai has also had his edge of the seat moments to get this far. He was almost eliminated from the top 12 finalists but for the first time in American Idol History 13 finalists were selected to go into the next round.

Just recently India made waves at the Oscar with Slumdog Millionaire and it seems the Indian supporters have got inspired and are chanting the slogans ‘‘Anoopdog Millionaire’, ‘Yes We Anoop’ and ‘Noop Dog’ in support of Anoop Desai.

Though Anoop is of Indian origin he terms himself as a contemporary R&B singer, but he states that he is not going to limit himself to one type of singing only. He would like to make his mark as a complete artist.

The Indians world over are being appreciated for their contribution in all fields and after the victory of AR.Rahman in the Oscars the support and frenzy for Indian talent continues to appeal to American audiences. We are sure Anoop would make a mark in the coming weeks at American Idol and we wish him all the best!

Slumdog Millionaire has been in the thick of things since its release worldwide. The highest point of recognition for the movie came today with 8 Oscar wins. While the entire news media is rejoicing calling this as an Indian victory there are some who seem to love to hate the movie as well.

Stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Management guru and film producer Arindham Chaudhary have taken potshots at the film for showing India in a bad light. After all India isn’t only about slums and there is more to India is the stand they have taken. Such critics are calling the movie ‘a showcase to feed the American fantasy on India’ which has transformed from snake charmers to slumdogs now.

While this debate continues there are online blogs which are questioning whether the movie even deserved 8 Oscars. Slumdog millionaire won oscars for the following categories.

Best Film: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Direction: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Original Song: A R Rahman and Gulzar for ‘Jai Ho…’ (Slumdog Millionaire)

Best Original Score: A R Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire.

Best Film Editing: Chris Dickens for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Sound Mixing: Ian Tapp, Resul Pookutty and Richard Pryke for Slumdog Millionaire.

Best Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog Millionaire

While the achievements of A.R.Rahman and its acknowledgement cannot be denied one does wonder why the oscars are placed so highly? I mean do any of the foriegn film stars even bother about what is happening on the India side of things? Also would Slumdog make the same impact at the oscars if it was directed by an Indian Director?

All these questions point towards the fact that Indian films still need a validation of success in terms of an Oscar. A filmfare award isn’t enough it seems.

Yes these questions do point towards the acceptance and recognition that Indians crave from the west even though we pretty much lead in every department in the US be it information technology or politics. Hopefully one day India would recognize international movies and not the other way round.