In a conversation over the concept of faith in Life of Pi, Ang Lee’s seminal, Academy Award-winning film, the adult Pi Patel (played to perfection by Irrfan) says to a writer interviewing him, “Doubt is useful, it keeps faith a living thing. After all, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it is tested”.

The first one was a small, handcrafted gem: an emotionally nourishing, wildlife-friendly tale almost lyrical in its tenderness and quietude. The second one arrived in a swaggering action-packed, anti-colonial extravaganza also showcasing some of the most frenzied dance moves ever seen on the big screen.

A documentary (“The Elephant Whisperers”, Tamil) and a Telugu film song (“Naatu Naatu” from “RRR”) of contrasting styles and temperament, but united by a common Made in India stamp, created history Sunday evening in America and left India gushing and rejoicing all Monday.

At the glitz glam 95th Oscar awards, producer Guneet Monga and director Kartiki Gonsalves’s “The Elephant Whisperers” was declared winner in the documentary short film category. India’s delight doubled as composer M M Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose received the coveted statuette in the original song category for the infectious “Naatu Naatu”. Keeravaani, better known as M M Kreem, rephrased The Carpenter’s evergreen hit, “Top of the World”, while receiving the award to describe his state of mind.

(With inputs from agencies)