Newton is Raghubir Yadav’s eighth entry to the Oscars, but he never kept track
Actor Raghubir Yadav reacts to being a part of eight films that have been chosen to represent India at the Oscars, with Newton being the latest entrant to the list.
Veteran actor Raghubir Yadav’s recent film Newton, where he plays second-in-command to the election officer Newton Kumar, portrayed by Rajkummar Rao, has been selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. However, this is not the first time the Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne actor has been part of a film selected to represent India at the Oscars. But, modest as ever, Yadav says he never kept track of the fact.
“Mujhe bhi yaad nahi tha ki meri kitni films gayi hain (Even I do not remember how many films of mine have gone for the Oscars.) I got to know it in the morning that eight films have gone,” says Raghubir, whose films Salaam Bombay (1988), Bandit Queen (1994), Rudaali (1993), 1947 Earth (1998), Lagaan (2011), Peepli Live (2010) and Water (2005) have been entries to the Academy Awards.
Talking about how each of these films came so close to winning the prestigious award, and yet didn’t make it, the 60-year-old thespian says, “For us to get nominated is a matter of pride in itself, even if we don’t win. Getting nominated means we are making good films in India. As an artist, my intention has always been to be part of good films and meaningful cinema. This is one of the reasons why you will see me less in commercial films.”
Talking about why the coveted honour has perennially eluded Indian films, he says, “We use a lot of technology and fanfare in our films to make them commercial. Sometimes, it is not required and we end up looking way too advanced, which doesn’t work in our favour.”
However, Raghubir hopes that Newton inspires other people. “The film is made with a lot of dedication and honesty, and it should have [anyway] gone from India. It will encourage more filmmakers to make more of such good films,” he signs off.
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