Published 23:36 IST, September 21st 2019
Gully Boy: Alia Bhatt calls it 'big deal' as film is chosen for Oscars
‘Gully Boy’ is India’s official entry to the Oscars. Alia Bhatt had played Safeena in the film. The actor called it a big deal and hoped they could win.
2018 belonged to Alia Bhatt, courtesy ‘Raazi’ and now ‘Gully Boy’ is setting it up for the actor this year. While the recognition for the former has continued right till now, with Alia Bhatt winning the Best Actress at IIFA 2019, it’d surely be a big deal if the praise for ‘Gully Boy’ similarly carries on to the next year. The premise, however, is grander and the stakes are higher too and reaching there would be an achievement. With ‘Gully Boy’ being announced as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards next year, Alia Bhatt says she hopes the movie wins the coveted Best Foreign Film prize, considering the recognition at international festivals already. The actress stated that the movie is ‘special’ and it’s a ‘big deal’ for the team.
Alia Bhatt keeps fingers crossed
Moments after ‘Gully Boy’ was announced as India’s official entry to the Oscars, Alia excitedly shared, “Gully Boy as a film is really special to me. What's even more special is that it has had such a long run - after releasing in February, it won at the Melbourne Film Festival, then it was also shown in Japan. Now, it's been selected as India's official entry for the Academy. So, hereon, I just hope, pray and wish that we make it to the nomination and then win. This is a first and it's a big deal for us. As a team, we are very excited.”
Murad incomplete without Safeena
While ‘Gully Boy’ primarily is the story of Murad aka Ranveer Singh and his journey up the popularity charts as a rapper, Alia Bhatt’s act as Safeena didn’t go unnoticed. Be it her exuberant personality or her ‘thopdungi’ dialogue that had sparked memes, Alia Bhatt’s character was much-loved. Her mentor Karan Johar had even stated that Safeena should get a new film as a spinoff.
Earlier in the day, Alia had shared the joint statement of the makers, “We are so thrilled that #GullyBoy has been selected as India’s official entry to the 92nd Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Thank You to the Film Federation of India, Aparna Sen, Anindya Dasgupta, members of the jury and a big congratulations to our spectacular cast and crew.”
Updated 23:47 IST, September 21st 2019