"First of all, we have to accept that it (Oscars) is the foremost award. In my view, it is for a different field, cinema of a different kind and language. We should feel proud of our own country and its awards," the 70-year-old said here Thursday when he was chosen India's prime icon for 2012 at CBS/Big FM awards function.
"If any other country feels that we deserve any of their awards, then it would be an honour for us," he added.
So far Indian music composer A.R. Rahman, sound engineer Resul Pookutty and lyricist Gulzar have won Oscars for their work in Danny Boyle's 2008-film "Slumdog Millionaire". Earlier, Bhanu Athayya won the Oscar for costumes for Richard Attenborough's "Gandhi".