Oscar experience more important than award: Aamir Khan

Mumbai, (IANS) Bollywood star Aamir Khan, whose directorial debut "Taare Zameen Par" has been selected as India's entry in the foreign language category for the Oscars, Monday said getting global exposure was more important than winning an award for a film.

Aamir told reporters: "I have already got the reward for making the film as it has been widely accepted by our audience. Winning an award is not that important. What matters is the fact that by getting selected (for Oscars) it will get an exposure to the world audience as more people are going to see it."

Aamir said the main challenge now was to get it into the final five, which will lead to a major chunk of international audience viewing the film.

"I want my film, which has been made on a sensible topic like dyslexia, to be viewed by as many people as possible, which is only possible if it gets selected in the final five as 'Lagaan' was selected," said Aamir.

Aamir said his main motive would be to create awareness for the film and to make maximum number of people know about it.

"I will be holding special screening for the members of the jury so that most of them see it. Besides, I am planning to go for an ad campaign in newspapers and will also be hiring a PR agency to create an awareness for the film among the masses," he said.

Aamir feels he had an advantage this time as his first production "Lagaan" introduced him to the people there.

"I feel, this time I will get an advantage as I had already left an impression there with 'Lagaan'. So people are aware about me and my work and I am hopeful to get a preference this time."

The actor pointed out that India should be conscious in selecting its entry for the Oscars as it builds an image for the country.

"Taare Zameen Par", produced and directed by Aamir Khan, was last week selected as India's official entry in the foreign language category for the Oscars at the 81st annual Academy awards. The award ceremony will be held Feb 22, 2009.