Indians are floating on air: Anil Kapoor

For Anil Kapoor, who grew up in the bylanes of Chembur, to become one of India's biggest actors, today was an unforgettable moment when he went on stage with Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire team to receive the Oscar for the Best Film.

For Anil Kapoor, who grew up in the bylanes of Chembur, to become one of India's biggest actors, today was an unforgettable moment when he went on stage with Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire team to receive the Oscar for the Best Film.

Anil Kapoor and Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyleu00a0with theu00a0Oscar after the ceremony in Los Angeles. Pic/AP

Talking to MiD DAY from Los Angeles after the ceremony, Anil said, "I still can't believe it what is happening! It's like a dream come true for me. Can you believe it that I was on stage at the Oscars when it got the best film award? It's fantastic - thrilling! I can't express in words what I am feeling todayu00a0"I am completely overcome by emotion!"

But Anil adds that more than him, it was a proud moment for all Indians. "Today, I wasn't thinking about myself or from my point of view. It was like an Indian award and I was thinking of India winning - not me. It was an Indian moment. I could see Indian faces around me. I wasn't floating on airu00a0- India was!"

Anil says no one expected to win eight out of nine awards. "This is the biggest event, and today Slumdog has gone beyond actors and nations. It's time to stop the petty bickering and small-minded behavior amongst us in the film industry. There are only a few films like Ben Hur and Gone With The Wind which can come on the same level as Slumdog. Slumdog is the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. Everyone, all over the world, loved the film. We all got a standing ovation from the entire audience at the Oscars. It was one of India's proudest moment of glory."

Anil had been accompanied by wife Sunita at the Golden Globe, this time he went alone, dressed in an Armani suit. "I felt so proud when I came out and was greeted by my old friends Goldie Hawn and Will Smith who came to congratulate the Slumdog team and me. They both were like - apna bachcha jeet gaya. Rahman, Dannyu00a0- we are all together. I was so thrilled!"