The praise for A R Rahman, who won two Oscars for India, continues. Lyricist Prasoon Joshi [Images], who has worked with the maestro, says he was sure that Rahman would win. He also hails Gulzar's [Images] work. Over to Joshi:

"Gulzar saab has been my source of inspiration. I have grown up listening and seeing him. He is like a father figure to me and many of us. I personally wished he was at the Oscars to receive the award. It would have been a matter of pride for our nation.

What really blows my mind is, at the age of 75, he still is so innovative and imaginative. His mind is still in control. He is as active as a teenager. His mind is connected to his imagination.

He is someone who has raised the bar for so many. He has raised the standard of 'item' numbers. He is always reinventing and experimenting with words.

I have always known him as a very composed person. He is very observant, never loses his cool or temper. He is also a large-hearted person. His work changes lives.

As a lyricist, he is like a weaver who weaves words so effortlessly into songs and like a painter who uses his master strokes to bring out a masterpiece.

He is very poetic and touches everybody's heart. His words, you can sense them, touch, feel and smell them. They have life. With his imagination, he can make you smell the earth, the sky and the wind.

I didn't watch the Oscars. I was in New York and then in Mexico, judging an awards show. But I was getting live updates on my mobile about Slumdog. I was 100 per cent sure that Rahman would win. I spoke to him the previous night and told that he will win an award, but he didn't want to believe me.

I am so proud of him. He is a dear friend and I called for a bottle of champagne and raised a toast for him. I was very thrilled about this win. Both Gulzar saab and Rahman have made India proud."