The Elephant Whisperers’, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, scripted history at the 95th Academy Awards as it bagged the Oscar in the Best Documentary Short category. After the Oscar win, Kartiki arrived in Chennai holding the Oscars statuette. She met Bomman and Belli, who played the lead roles in the documentary and shared an adorable picture of them holding the trophy.
Sharing the picture, Kartiki wrote, ‘It’s been a long four months since we’ve been apart and now I feel like I’m home….. @theelephantwhisperers.’
Fans are in awe of the photo. A fan wrote, ‘Good to see @kartikigonsalves turn the spotlight on those who deserve to shine brightest in this moment. That's what makes you such a wonderful storyteller, Kartiki! Hope it's just the beginning for you.’ Another comment read, ‘Was waiting to see the Oscar in their hands!’
Singer Vishal Dadlani also reacted to the picture and commented, ‘Easily my favourite #Oscars picture ever (clapping emojis).’ Esha Gupta, Mini Mathur, and Aahana Kumra are among others who have commented on the picture.
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ shows how Belli and her husband Bomman shower love and care on abandoned baby elephants at the government-run Theppakkadu Elephant Camp in the Nilgiris District. The short film was on two elephant calves, Raghu and Ammu, and Belli and Bomman's strong bond with them.
On March 15, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin felicitated Bomman and Belli and presented them cheques of ₹1 lakh each, a shield, and shawls to honour them. Later, MK Stalin gave away ₹1 crore cheque to Kartiki, presented her a memento, shawl, and a certificate of commendation.
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