Oscar hopeful Resul Pookutty's father wanted him to be doctor

Anchal (Kerala), Feb 21: Sound designer Resul Pookutty's father was keen that he become a doctor. But Resul failed the medical entrance examinations and went on to pursue his film industry dreams. Today, his family and friends are praying that he brings home an Oscar for 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

In the village of Vilakupara, about 50 km from the Kerala capital, everyone is elated at Resul's success.

Resul has been nominated for an Oscar for sound mixing in the rags-to-riches award winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

His elder brother Byju Pookutty told IANS: 'Ours is a typical rural village and it was only last month that our village council gave a reception after he won the British awards and people here came to know what he was doing.'

'Our father wanted Resul to be a doctor but he could not clear the entrance examination for medicine. Our father was very particular that Resul become a doctor because his brother's son was one. But Resul's destiny was different,' said Byju, who is 38 and a businessman.

Resul, 36, was the youngest of eight children. He had a passion for films right from his young days.

After finishing his BSc Physics, he took admission in a law course in 1990. But his passion for the film industry continued.

'In the first attempt he did not get entry into the Pune Film and Television Institute after failing in the group discussion. But he was determined and got admission the next year, qualifying with first rank. Abiding by my father's direction, he finished his law degree, and after 1995 he went full time into the film industry,' said Byju.

Resul, who stays in Mumbai, had called home just before leaving for the award presentation ceremony.

'Last night he called home and said he is leaving. He did not speak much. When I asked him how he is feeling, he replied, 'Expectations are there'. We will all be glued to our TV sets when the presentation ceremony begins. Resul has a chance of winning, according to news reports here, and the village is hoping for the best,' said Byju.

Resul was seen off at Mumbai airport by his mother-in-law, who arrived from Muscat, where his father-in-law is a practising doctor.