Amol Palekar is very excited about his film Paheli being selected as India's official entry for the 2006 Oscars.

"This film is inherently Indian, linked to the soil of the country. I am sure it will change the views of the people abroad about India," the director says.

Your Say: Is Paheli the right choice?

"Everything, from its story -- based on Duvidha, written by Vijaydan Deta -- to its screenplay and designing -- by Sandhya Gokhale -- is truly Indian. The film's music can be traced to Indian folk and has been backed by excellent performances by Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji... (right down) to the smallest actor."

Palekar says he is content with the Film Federation of India's citation for Paheli, which says 'the film is truly Indian and extremely original.'

Why Paheli is better than Black

"This is something which makes me feel very, very proud," Palekar says. "This has made me happy because it was a unanimous choice (by FFI) based on merit. Neither Shah Rukh (the film's producer, who is currently in the US shooting for Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna) nor me were in Mumbai to lobby for its selection."

About the lobbying neccessary at the Oscars, Palekar says, "Whatever is required, minus lobbying, will be done to see that the movie catches the attention of those who matter. To say, we need to lobby to get an award at the Oscars means people don't understand the process. There are strict rules to follow which stipulate that anyone found lobbying for his/her film would be disqualified. Therefore, we will not lobby but will ensure that whosoever matters must watch Paheli."

'We're sure Paheli is right choice'

The actor-turned-filmmaker has made nine films so far. All of them have been critically well-received. "My film Aakrit was the first Marathi film to receive an international award. That was very satisfying for me," Palekar says. "Dadasaheb Phalke was the father of the Indian cinema. Therefore, as a fellow Maharashtrian, it is gratifying to see that I am following his footsteps in a way, by making meaningful cinema."