Mani Ratnam becomes first Tamil director to join Oscar panel

Filmmaker Mani Ratnam has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

He becomes the first Tamil director to become a member of the prestigious Oscar committee.

The Academy on Wednesday extended 398 invitations to artists and executives from around the world.

“Congratulations #Manirathnam sir for becoming member of the @TheAcademy …. #Oscar #PS 1& 2 #Dilse #Roja #Bombay and many more! Welcome to the club,” tweeted Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, who has been Ratnam’s permanent music composer since Roja.