The American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which presents the Oscar awards, is irked at music composer Ismail Darbar’s comments that A R Rahman “purchased” his Oscar for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.
Reacting to Darbar’s allegation, the Academy’s communication director Leslie Unger said, “It simply is not possible to buy an Academy Award. While some individuals might disagree with the results of our voting processes, the Academy stands behind the integrity of the voting.”
It is also said that the Academy may initiate legal proceedings against Darbar for his comments. “It is planning to file defamation charges against Darbar to the tune of USD 50 million,” reports said.
Rahman won two Academy Awards- Best Original Score and Best Original Song- for his music in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, a 2008 film directed by Danny Boyle. “It’s a free country and everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Rahman said on Ismail’s allegation.