Oscar

Do you think Slumdog Millionaire falls in the category of cliche and formula films?

Yes. It is the kind of film Manmohan Desai used to make. Where did we get those ideas from? The West. They would make such films in the 1950s and 1960s. We have just taken that idea, modified it and given it back.

Which Indian film do you think should have made it to the Oscars?

I don't see why we bother our heads with that stupid statuette of a naked man. What is so special about it? Why is the whole nation getting into a lather about it? It's as bogus as our Pan Masala and talcum powder awards. I can understand A R Rahman's and Resul Pookutty's joy. I don't see what we have to get so excited about.

Naseeruddin Shah to Rediff - March 17th 2009