Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, two of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, have found themselves on opposite sides of a debate about why Indian films struggle to garner recognition at the Oscars. While Shah Rukh Khan believes the format of Indian films is a major hurdle, Aamir Khan disagrees, emphasizing the quality of storytelling and emotional impact as the key factors.
In an interview with BBC Asian Network, Aamir Khan, who has been actively promoting India’s official Oscar entry, Laapataa Ladies, expressed his disagreement with Shah Rukh Khan’s assessment. “No, I don’t agree,” he said. “Because Lagaan was three hours and 42 minutes, and it had six songs, and it got nominated. To get nominated, the members really have to love your film.
Aamir’s response highlights the fact that Lagaan, a film with a long runtime and multiple songs, managed to secure an Oscar nomination in 2002. This suggests that the format of Indian films, often characterized by their length and musical numbers, is not necessarily a barrier to Oscar recognition.
Instead, Aamir believes that the quality of filmmaking and the ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level are crucial. He argues that the Academy members are human beings who appreciate good storytelling, regardless of the film’s format or origin. “It depends on how good your work is and how you’re able to touch hearts,” he said.
Shah Rukh Khan, on the other hand, has previously stated that Indian films need to adapt to the Western format to have a better chance at the Oscars. “If I’m invited to your party, I need to dress up in the code you tell me to,” he said in an interview. “I cannot be wearing my code of two and a half hours and five songs. We have to change that.”
While Shah Rukh Khan’s perspective has some merit, it overlooks the fact that Lagaan, a film that defied the conventional wisdom, managed to break through. It also ignores the growing diversity of Indian cinema, which now includes a wide range of genres and styles, some of which align more closely with Western expectations.
Aamir Khan’s stance is more optimistic and forward-thinking. He believes that Indian filmmakers should focus on creating high-quality films that resonate with audiences around the world, rather than trying to conform to a specific format. By doing so, they can increase their chances of Oscar recognition and help to elevate the status of Indian cinema on the global stage.
The debate between Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan highlights the complex issue of why Indian films struggle at the Oscars. While there is no easy answer, Aamir’s emphasis on quality and emotional impact offers a more nuanced and hopeful perspective. By focusing on creating films that are both culturally authentic and universally appealing, Indian filmmakers can increase their chances of breaking through at the Oscars and achieving global recognition.
