It's a well known fact that Aamir Khan has never been too fond of awards. The Oscars are different though. He has only cared about the Oscars and boycotted most other award functions.

But now it seems he's caring about a few desi awards as well. He accepted an award in the South not very long ago. Interestingly now Aamir actually has asked to be included in the nominations for the V Shantaram Awards 2008.

The awards have been instituted to honour the late filmmaker, who made socially relevant mainstream cinema, like 'Dr Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani' and 'Do Aankhen Barah Haath'.

He made movies within the ambit of mainstream cinema and still made socially relevant and entertaining films. The Rajkamal Academy of Cinematic Excellence has been working hard all these years to maintain the sanctity of these awards.

Aamir now joins the league of winners like Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam and K Balachandra etc. Aamir's contemporaries like Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwariya Rai have received this award too.

'Taare Zameen Par' has been included in the Best film category along with 'A Wednesday', 'Jodhaa Akbar' and the 'Marathi Tingya'.

It has received nominations for best director, best supporting actor, best debut artiste in a lead role, best actor, best music, and best writer.

The movie was great and it sure is a deserving nominee. It's great to see Aamir cherish Indian awards for a change!