Two Oscars for India brought a truce between the government and the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Instead of resuming its battle over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s speech in London, the House felicitated artists winning the two Academy awards wholeheartedly for an hour.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s reference to the prestigious awards soon after the House met for the day set the tone for its members to record their deep appreciation at the awards for the Best Original Song “Naatu Naatu” and the documentary film Elephant Whisperers.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said India had won two awards at the 95th Oscar ceremony. The Naatu Naatu song from the film RRR had already created waves in India and the international awards had brought appreciation for the Indian film content.

Thakur said: “Brand India has arrived, and it is just a beginning. India has the potential to become the content hub of the world. Let us work together to make India the content hub of the world. Nothing is regional today. The Prime Minister says ‘local to global’. Our regional has become international. That is a big achievement for India.”

On the Chairman’s suggestion, the minister said he would arrange special screenings of the two movies for members of the House, and approach Leader of the House Piyush Goyal and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for this.

Dhankhar said the awards ceremony was “a moment of glory for us”. The wins for ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and ‘RRR’ marked a new recognition of the full spectrum of cinema that India produces. This will further the internationalisation of India’s film industry.

These achievements also reflect global appreciation of the vast talent, immense creativity and committed dedication of Indian artists, “indeed another facet of our global rise and recognition,” the Chairman said. “On my own behalf and on behalf of this august House, I congratulate the entire team of artists, everyone associated with this positive venture,” for the well-earned recognition,” he said.

Making an effort not to let the members digress from the happy theme, Mr Dhankhar urged the Opposition saying “there are some occasions when we must be only in one mode and that is the mode of happiness and appreciation. It is an occasion where I would plead with the Hon. Members.” He told the members “Please confine ourselves only to paying our tribute to these great achievements. Do not digress.“

The Leader of the House said “The Elephant Whisperers has been made by two women of eminence. It is about gender.” He said “One more thing. It is about sustainability, and it also shows that the world today is recognizing that sustainability has become core to our philosophy.”

And finally, Goyal said, the script-writer of the film RRR is a Nominated Member of the House, V Vijayendra Prasad. “I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to acknowledge V V Prasad’s contribution,” he said.

The Leader of the Opposition said, “I also join to congratulate both the awardees. Particularly, first time, such an award is given to ‘Naatu Naatu’ and also to ‘The Elephant Whisperers.’ Both of them come from South India. It is a great pride for us. We are very proud and whatever you have told, we are with you.”

Jaya Bachchan (Samajwadi Party) said it was a happy occasion “we are discussing the most important ambassadors of this country, the film folks. It does not matter whether they are from the North, East, South or West. They are Indians”.

Talking about S S Rajamouli’s RRR, she said she knew Mr Rajamouli and the film’s scriptwriter,  Rajya Sabha member V Vijayendra Prasad is not only the script writer but also the story writer as well.

Sonal Mansingh (nominated member) congratulated the award-winners. She said the Naatu word originated from the word Nat and Natraj. Dr Prashanta Nanda (BJD) said he had made films for 60 years. “I have also got national and international awards, but this Oscar Award for a film on OTT platform is beyond my imagination,” he said.

G V L Narasimha Rao (BJP) said the Director of RRR, Rajamouli, is also a Director of Bahubali movie, which is another international success. Prasad, a nominated member of the House, is also the story writer for Bahubali and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, apart from this movie, he said.

Jaggesh (BJP) said he had since 1980 acted in 150 Kannada films as hero. He said today’s films get quick recognition because they are watched on the Internet. Congratulating Mr Prasad, he said “it is a dream for every cinema artist to get an award in Oscars.” He said “In future days, I think, we Indians will rock everywhere, in every field. That is my feeling.”

V Vijayasai Reddy (YSRCP) said the appreciation for the awards should go to all, whether artists or technicians. Further, he said, “irrespective of the language, irrespective of the religion, caste, creed, there are artists everywhere and, therefore, these regional feelings or sub-regional feelings or linguistic feelings should not be there while appreciating this (the awards).” Several other members spoke at the awards.