Double Oscar joy for Indian music maestro

February 23, 2009 04:14:25 PM

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Indian composer A.R. Rahman was celebrating a double Oscars triumph here Sunday after winning two Academy Awards for his work in the hit film "Slumdog Millionaire."

The talented music maestro picked up the best original score statuette before scooping the best song Oscar moments later after a medley performance featuring all three nominated tunes.

"I just want to thank again, the whole crew of 'Slumdog Millionaire' especially Danny Boyle for giving me such a great opportunity," said the delighted Rahman.

He hailed "all the people from Mumbai and the essence of the film, which is about optimism and the power of hope and our lives. All my life I've had a choice of hate and love. I chose love, and I'm here. God bless."

The awards took "Slumdog's" tally to six for the evening, with the honors for best picture and best director still to come.