Aamir Khan is at it again! His directorial debut 'Taare Zameen Par' has been selected as India's entry to the Oscars for the best foreign film category. And this time, unlike a few years ago with 'Lagaan', Aamir is determined to come back with the statuette.

'Taare Zameen Par' wrung our hearts and walked away with most of the awards in India. Now it's time to go the Big One - the Oscars. After being nominated for the best foreign film category, director Aamir Khan is optimistic, though he knows the competition well.

Aamir says, “Abhi tak toh hum India se chune gaye hain. Lekin jab hum top 5 se chune jaate hain toh world ki audience usko attention deti hain. Aur hamari audience aur badti hain. Aur aam taur pe jo log hindi cinema nahi dekhte hain, unki nazar main yeh film aati hain. Toh yeh ek window of opportunity hain agar hum nominate hue. And it’s an opportunity for Indian cinema. And I hope that happens.”

Aamir has been here before, a few years ago for 'Lagaan', so he knows the value of lobbying and promoting the film. He means to make the world aware of his movie before long.

Aamir comments, “Jahan jahan members hain academy ke wahan wahan humein awareness create karni hain, is film ke baare main taki unka interest aye is film ki taraf badh jaye. Aur woh film ko dekhe.”

'Lagaan' got to the final five when it was nominated for the same award, but it was said that it lost out due to its inordinate length. Aamir doesn't give this theory much respect.

He says, “Agar length ki issue hain, gaane ki issue hain, cricket ki issue hain. Yeh saare issues agar sach hote toh hum nominate hi nahin hote. Unko behad zyayda pasand ayee isliye woh nominate hui. Aur agar aap top five main aate hain toh agar aap LA jaake kisi se puche toh wahan ka joh industry hain toh unka woh manna hain ki agar aap top five main nominate hue hain toh aap jeet gaye hain. Kyonki woh paancho competitors winning line par agaye hain. Kyonki har film behad pasand ayi hain members ko.”

Lagaan may not have won the award, but it sure remained popular with both the jury members and the public.

Aamir on Lagaan, “Kareeban 30-40 members mere paas aye aur woh mujhe nahin pehchante the aur unhone mujhe kaha ki unhone meri film ke liye vote kiya tha and they were very disappointed that your film did not win. Toh aisa nahin ki film mein koi kami thi sab pachon film achhi thi.”

Except this, very justified, foray into the world of the Oscars, Aamir generally keeps away from awards. His motivation is something else

Aamir clarifies his stand on awards, “As far as I am concerned, I don't need an award to tell me my film is good or not. The audiences told me that. I have made the film for the audience and they have already told me what they like and what they don't. A platform like the Oscars, Bafta or the Cannes exposes the film and creates an opening for Indian cinema where a lot more people want to see your films. And that is what I look it as.”

Who doesn't want to win an Oscar? Not Aamir Khan! And his concerted efforts will bear fruit eventually, once people over the world watch and understand his movies.

Aamir comments, “Uska positive asar hoga. Lagaan kafi logon ne dekhi hain as it has come on the top 5. So they have a good impression about me. Jab unko pata chalega ki Aamir ki doosri film aa rahi hain, toh unme ek interest ayega aur woh dekhna chahenge.”

Aamir doesn't have much confidence in the authenticity of most Indian awards, which is probably why he stays away from them.

Aamir says, “It's not the question of how many I shun. The point is do I shun an Indian award, no I don't. I went to Chennai to receive the award and I was very happy to be selected. And I was honoured to be selected for that. I have been for the national award function, where I received an award for 'Lagaan'. I have nothing against Indian awards. As far as Oscars are concerned it gives you an opportunity to address a larger audience.”

From precedent, we know that Aamir Khan will do all he can to bring the Oscar home. And in this endeavour he has the hearts and minds of a billion people with him.