AR Rahman wins Oscars for Music

AR Rahman won an Oscar for the best score, and another for his song Jai Ho from the film. Rahman is the third Indian to win an Oscar, after costume designer Bhanu Athaiya for her work in Gandhi in 1983 and director Satyajit Ray in 1992. The composer said he hailed “all the people from Mumbai and the essence of the film, which is about optimism and the power of hope and our lives”.

Many slum dwellers have been watching the Oscar ceremony on television sets.

Rafique, the father of Rubina Ali – who portrays the youngest version of the leading lady Latika in the film – said: “It’s a proud moment for India that the film has been awarded an Oscar. I am waiting for my daughter to return home with the stories.”

He went on: “All my life I’ve had a choice of hate and love. I chose love, and I’m here. God bless.”

AR Rahman’s backstage thank yous

Source AP