Superstar Amitabh Bachchan has long made it clear that he isn't enamoured of the Oscars. Slumdog Millionaire's success at the Academy Awards has done little to change his mind. In an email interview, Bachchan explains his stand, questioning if the Oscars should be considered the ultimate and final recognition for every film made in the world. Excerpts:

Do you think too much hoopla is being made about the Oscars?

This is a typical media exercise. Start something, then look for celebrity endorsement for or against it, initiate controversy, and guarantee good copy. By the end of it, the perpetrator of the 'crime' is forgotten and some vulnerable celebrity has his neck dangling on the anvil.

Who is the 'we' you talk of? Surely you will not hesitate to agree that the media is the creator of this hoopla?

The Oscars are a film awards ceremony conducted in the US. Through the years it has built itself into a powerful brand that now unabashedly conveys that it is the best in the world. It is a matter of choice whether one believes in that or whether it deserves the kind of attention that it gets. We respect the Oscars as we would any institution that honours excellence and rewards it.

Do you think we should look at the Oscars as the ultimate parameter to judge a film, considering that films from other countries, especially Asia, have different cultural flavours?

For me, the ultimate parameter to judge a film is the audience. But this is my choice. As I said earlier, we respect the Oscars. They are an American awards ceremony, conducted to honour films made in English and in the US. They also honour films from other countries in a special section and we acknowledge that. I would presume they have set conditions and parameters within which they assess the merits of films that come up for consideration. Who are we to comment on the veracity of their judging system? Do you ever question why Filmfare, or Screen, Zee, Stardust, and our National Awards do not consider Hollywood films or films from other nations for reward?

Many films from India, which seemed excellent, have been unable to make it to the Oscars. Do you think they deserved better?

Again, here the assumption is that the Oscars are the ultimate and final recognition for every film made in the world. You would have to convince me first that they indeed are. Each independent institution has its own yardstick to measure excellence. As things stand they have not found any of our films worthy. Fine. We do not crave for it. If it comes we shall humbly accept and honour it.

A few technicians from India, for example, Resul Pookutty, have managed to get the attention of the Oscars, while actors from India are still to make a mark. What do you attribute this to?

True. The reason Resul received attention is because he worked in a foreign (English) film that has received Oscar nominations. When their system of judging feels actors from India deserve an award we shall respectfully acknowledge it.

Team DNA/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication