In 2024, Kiran Rao introduced the country to Laapataa Ladies, played by Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava with her award-winning film. The talented newcomers were joined by seasoned actors Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan. One of the biggest highlights of the film was the twist in the end, brought to us by Ravi’s character Shyam Manohar, Sub-Inspector. But before the Bhojpuri superstar joined the team, Aamir Khan auditioned for his character. Aamir did a fab job in the audition tape, shared by Aamir Khan Talkies, as he chewed betel leaf and sat opposite a man who ‘misplaced’ his newlywedded wife on a train. Take a look:

But why was Aamir rejected? Later during a discussion at the Asian World Film Festival, the actor and producer shared, “I tried to play a character in the film; she (Kiran) didn’t let me. I wanted to play the cop and even did a screen test for it, but I was rejected. I was really keen on playing that role, but Kiran and I discussed it. I think my screen test was very good, but we decided to go with Ravi Kishan. Both of us took that decision.”

When the audition tape first released on social media, a fan gushed, “No other Indian film star, minor or major, would release a failed audition tape. They would all drown in their own ego. This is why I love Aamir Khan. It’s not about what his films do at the BO, it’s his passion for cinema and storytelling that makes him stand out,” whereas another pointed out, “With aamir we would’ve predicted he will save the day at the end. But Ravi bought this ambiguity to the character that no one knows on whose side this character will lean on.” Another internet user stated, “Amir is very self aware and in terms of his acting very honest. That is what we all like about him. He will accept where he went wrong and let the better one take over.” The comment further read, “When it comes to his work ..he is very serious guy. Glad he opted out.”

While Aamir was not a part of Laapataa Ladies onscreen, he did back the film as the producer. Here’s wishing the superstar a very happy birthday!

To prevent fans from being misled, Madhavan also shared a screenshot of the account in question in his Instagram post. The actor added that appropriate steps are being taken to identify the person behind the profile and hold them accountable.

However, the weather had other plans. Madhavan joked that the crew began calling him the “Rainman” on set because heavy rain seemed to follow whenever he arrived for filming. While the unexpected weather changed the original visual plan, the actor noted that the grey skies ultimately worked perfectly for the film’s first shot, adding an atmospheric tone to the sequence.

Over one and a half decades back, when ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ swept the 2009 Oscars, it wasn’t just another trophy haul; it was a turning point for global cinema. Danny Boyle’s film, set in the chaotic heart of Mumbai, grabbed viewers everywhere with Jamal Malik’s wild journey from orphan to game show sensation.On February 22, 2009, Hollywood rolled out the red carpet for the 81st Academy Awards, but it was ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that stole the show. Out of ten nominations, it took home eight Oscars, including the big one: Best Picture. The night was packed with emotional speeches, breakthrough wins for Indian artists, and a sense that something huge was happening on that stage.Before we tune into this year’s Academy Awards night, let’s rewind.

The big moment: Best Picture win

It was an unforgettable moment, especially for the Indian audience, when ‘Slumdog Millionaire’s name was called for the Best Picture award. That was the cherry on top of an already staggering awards season. The film dominated, not just with Best Picture, but also Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. For the viewers, it was more than a movie win. It was proof that a story born in India, with an Indian cast and backdrop, could move audiences everywhere, including the Oscars’ notoriously tough crowd.

Danny Boyle’s Best Director win

The captain of the ship, Danny Boyle’s win for Best Director, was another high point. Known for his work on ‘Trainspotting’ and ‘28 Days Later’, Boyle brought Mumbai’s infectious energy to the world’s biggest stage. In his speech, he thanked the actors and the people of India for helping make the story real. He also mentioned how he believed in the unique magic of combining British filmmaking with Indian storytelling, saying, “My kids are too old to remember this now, but when they were much younger, I swore to them that if this miracle ever happened that I would receive it in the spirit of Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh and that’s what that was.”

A.R. Rahman’s Double Oscar haul

For the Indian audience and diaspora, A.R. Rahman’s wins were something else. He made history that night, grabbing two Oscars: one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song with ‘Jai Ho’, written with lyricist Gulzar. Onstage, Rahman kept it simple and honest, saying he chose love over hate: “The essence of the film which is about optimism and the power of hope in the lives, and all my life I had a choice of hate and love. I chose love and I’m here. God bless.”

India’s proud moment with Resul Pookutty

Then came sound designer Resul Pookutty, who won for Best Sound Mixing for the film. His work pulled audiences right into Mumbai’s streets and trains, making the city itself a character. While accepting his award, Pookutty said, “I come from a country and a civilization that given the universal word. That word is preceded by silence, followed by more silence. That word is “Om.” So I dedicate this award to my country. Thank you, Academy.” Pookotty shared the award with Richard Pryke and Ian Tapp.

‘Slumdog Millionaire’: All about it

For the unversed, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, directed by Danny Boyle and based on Vikas Swarup’s novel’ Q & A’, follows Jamal Malik, a kid from Mumbai’s slums who lands on India’s version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’. On the surface, it looks like a simple story: a poor guy chases a life-changing jackpot. But every answer Jamal gives is wrapped up in a wild, sometimes painful story from his life. The quiz show becomes a way to tell a much bigger tale about survival, fate, and love.At the 81st Academy Awards, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ owned the night. It won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song (‘Jai Ho’), and Best Sound Mixing. No other film came close. That sweep locked in its spot as the biggest movie of the year.