Oscar race tough, but I'm hopeful: 'Salt Bridge' director

As many as seven songs from "Salt Bridge" are in contention for an Oscar nomination. Abhijit Deonath, the film's Australia-based Indian director, feels honoured and says that it may be a tough race, be he is hopeful of something positive.

The songs from "Salt Bridge" have been shortlisted for the Original Song category at the upcoming 88th Academy Awards, but a final nomination list is yet to come out.

"Salt Bridge", which stars Rajeev Khandelwal, Chelsie Preston Crayford and Usha Jadhav among others, depicts the story of an Indian man and his relationship with an Australian woman. Their bond constantly faces hurdles owing to cultural differences.

"I'm very excited and feel honoured to have seven songs from the film 'Salt Bridge' shortlisted for Oscar contention," Deonath said in a statement.

The seven songs from "Salt Bridge" that are competing in the list of 74 entries are - "Aankhon me samaye dil", "Bachpana thaa", "Kanpne lage tum", "Kyaa bataaun tujhe", "Le jaaye jo door tumse", "Na jaane kitni door" and "Sookha hi rang daalo".

This is the highest number of songs selected from any film this year.

"The fact that seven - the largest number - songs have been shortlisted from 'Salt Bridge' is a good sign. However I understand that we are in a highly competitive category with several songs from high budget Hollywood movies in contention. It will be a tough one, but I am hopeful. In any case, 'Salt Bridge' has some outstanding songs and that fact remains," he added.

Most of the songs have been composed by Deonath himself.