The Academy shortlists 7 Songs from Hindi Film Salt Bridge for the 88th Oscar Awards

The Academy shortlists 7 Songs from Hindi Film Salt Bridge for the 88^th Oscar Awards

Salt Bridge, a film directed by Australia based Indian director Abhijit Deonath has had seven of its songs shortlisted for the Original Song category of the 88^thAcademy Awards. This is the highest number of songs selected from any film this year. The film depicts the story of an Indian man and his relationship with an Australian woman, which constantly faces hurdles owing to the cultural differences. The cast includes, National Award winning Indian actress Usha Jadhav, Bollywood star of the Amir fame Rajeev Khandelwal and New Zealand actress Chelsie Preston Crayford. The film premiered at the All Lights India International Film Festival in Kochi, Kerala this year and will be screened at the 14th Dhaka International Film Festival in January 2016.

The songs which are nominated for 88^th Oscar awards are Kyaa Bataaun Tujhe, Aankhon Me SamayeDil, KanpneLage Tum, Sookha Hi Rang Daalo, Le Jaaye Jo Door Tumse, Na JaaneKitni Door, Bachpana Thaa, Madhuro Basonto Esechhe. All songs expect Madhuro Basonto Esechhe are composed and lyrics by Director Abhijit Deonath. The song Madhuro Basonto Esechhe composed and lyrics by Rabindra Nath Tagore.

Regarding this impressive achievement, the director Abhijit Deonath has said “I am very excited and feel honoured to have seven songs of the film Salt Bridge shortlisted for Oscar contention.” And asked about the prospect of one of the shortlisted songs going on to win, he had this to say – “The fact that seven – the largest number – songs have been shortlisted from Salt Bridge is a good sign. However I understand that we are in a highly competitive category with several songs from high budget Hollywood movies in contention. It will be a tough one, but I am hopeful. In any case, Salt Bridge has some outstanding songs and that fact remains.”

India born Abhijit Deonath is currently settled in Canberra, Australia. A post-graduate from the Indian School of Mines, he has held management positions in diverse sectors such as mining, manufacturing, finance and public service. A creative and resourceful entrepreneur, Abhijit is a literature, language, music and cinema practitioner. He has made a short film prior to his debut feature film Salt Bridge.

Salt Bridge is being represented internationally by Mountain River Films, a film sales and distribution company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The company has represented many award winning South Asian films and is at the forefront in bridging the gap between independent South Asian filmmakers and the international film markets.

Songs of Salt Bridge

Seven songs of the movie shortlisted for Oscar are composed by Abhijit Deonath. The album also contains a song written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore thus making it a total of 8 songs.

1. Kyaa Bataaun Tujhe
Composition and lyrics: Abhijit Deonath

Singers: SanjeevRamabhadran and ArmeenRamabhadran

2. Aankhon Me Samaye Dil