'Taare Zameen Par' is India's entry to the Oscars and for a change, people from within as well as outside the industry are unanimous in believing that Film Federation of India has finally got it right in sending a potential winner at the 81st annual Academy awards.

However, not many are aware that apart from 'Taare Zameen Par', 'Rock On' was in close contention as well and closely lost out on making it to the final list.

"Hey, but I don't have any regrets whatsoever on 'Rock On' not being the final selection", Farhan Akhtar says in a honest tone, "We all know that 'Taare Zameen Par' is a very good film. I liked it immensely.

I have worked with Aamir in 'Dil Chahta Hai' and he is a very good friend. I wish him all the success in the world. He had earlier taken 'Lagaan' to the Oscars and got so close. May he be the second time lucky."

Ritesh Sidhwani, co-producer of 'Rock On' too shares similar sentiments, "I guess the jury has chosen what they felt worked best.

'Taare Zameen Par' as well as 'Rock On' were shortlisted but ultimately it is the jury's job to choose only one. I am satisfied with where 'Rock On' has reached and wish Aamir all the best. I sincerely hope this time he wins."

Abhishek Kapoor, who himself has now been second time lucky with 'Rock On' hitting the bull's eye admits that he would have loved 'Rock On' to make it for the Oscars.

But now that the decision has been taken, he is not ruing over it. "Of course, I would have loved my film to be chosen. However, now that 'Taare Zameen Par' has been selected, I wish their entire team all the very best of luck."

Suneel Darshan, who headed the Film Federation of India jury, agrees that it was a difficult choice to pick one of the nine films which were in fray. However, ultimately the committee members took a unanimous call and put their bet on 'Taare Zameen Par'.

"The film has a universal appeal and we truly believe that it would make an impression at the highest platform as well", sais Suneel Darshan.

Other films which were in contention for being nominated were Marathi films 'Valu' and 'Tingya', Nishikant Kamat's 'Mumbai Meri Jaan', Neeraj Pandey's 'A Wednesday', Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'Jodhaa Akbar', Subhash Ghai's 'Black and White' and the Telugu film 'Ghanyam'.

The awards ceremony will be held on February 22, 2009. - Joginder Tuteja.