New Delhi (IANS): The teams of Oscar winning films Slumdog Millionaire and Smile Pinki - both of which were based in India - were on Tuesday praised in the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Somnath Chatterjee terming the success of composer A.R. Rahman, lyricist Gulzar and sound technician Resul Pookutty as "a historic achievement".

"Honourable members, it is a matter of immense pride for us that the film Slumdog Millionaire has won eight Oscars, including the award for best picture. Three Indians - Sarvashree A.R. Rahman, Gulzar and Resul Pookutty have bagged Oscar awards," said Chatterjee.

"The awards for the best original song has been shared by Shri Rahman and Shri Gulzar, the award for the best original score has been awarded to Rahman and the award for best sound mixing has been shared by Resul Pookutty.

"This historic achievement by these artistes has warmed the hearts of every Indian. The nation is proud of the achievement and it is clear acknowledgement by the international community of the high degree of excellence achieved by Indian artistes," he added.

Chatterjee also hailed the victory of Oscar winning documentary Smile Pinki, which tells the story of a girl from an Uttar Pradesh village who was ostracised because of her cleft lip till a social worker helped her undergo surgery.

"Equally exhilarating is the bagging of an Oscar by the documentary film Smile Pinki, based on an Indian background, under the best short subject documentary category," the speaker said.

"I am confident these achievements by our creative legends will inspire the talented youth of the country to realise its infinite potential and prove its mettle globally. I am sure the house will join me in congratulating the awardees, as well as the entire teams of the two films and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. Jai ho!" Chatterjee added.

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