What was your first reaction when your name was called out?
When the category was announced, I kept repeating Slumdog in my mind. But as soon as my name was announced, I blanked out. Then I regained my compsure, and spoke.
Did you prepare your acceptance speech?
Not really. I did not give any speech at BAFTA or Golden Globes. The only thing I wanted to say was Om, as that is the first sound and it comes from our cultural background. I said it because I represent this country. The rest was not planned. BBC rated my speech as the most eloquent speech.
What was the biggest high of being at the Oscars?
Steven Spielberg shook hands with me and said that it was a well-deserved award. That was the biggest honour. Brad Pitt saluted me. Ben Burtt, who was also nominated with me for WALL-E, said that he many many trophies at home but he thought that this belonged to me, as my work was better. Just imagine someone telling you that!
What happened after the Oscar ceremony?
After the show, there is customary thing called the winners walk, where they take you through long corridors. Photographs of former winners are hung on the walls. After you finish, a champagne is offered to you. Then, they take you to a room where photographers are waiting for you. Adjoining that is the press room, where the media talks to you.
Later, there was a lot of partying from the Governor's Ball to Vanity Fair. Fox Searchlight threw a party as well. I partied till 5 am!
When you arrived in Mumbai, there was a grand welcome waiting for you. You had to be taken in a police van because of the crowds.
I felt like Jamal, when he is taken in the police van for interrogation. I never expected to travel in a police van. It was scary, as my children were with me. And I didn't where my luggage was.
In the picture: Resul was whisked off in a police van at the Mumbai airport. Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar
Also Read: 'I dedicate this award to my country'
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