The year has started on a good note for Indian Michelin star Chef Vikas Khanna, who is based in New York City and recently entered the world of films. His directorial debut, The Last Color, has been chosen as one of the 344 films eligible for an Oscar nomination in the best feature film category. Vikas took to social media to share this exciting news. He wrote, “Just to be eligible for Oscars. (BEST FEATURE FILM) Just to be on this list. Jai Ma Ganga. On your banks I was reincarnated & now thissss miracle.” In another tweet, he shared how he had written the “story-screenplay-scenes-concept-music-novel on the banks of Ganges,” adding, “As she touched my feet & made me alive again & again. Singing lullabies to me at the night.” Vikas also mentioned that Neeraj Ghaywan’s 2015 drama film Masaan had been his inspiration.

The Last Color stars Neena Gupta in the lead role of a widow, Noor, living on the banks of the river Ganges. She is forced to live a life of total abstinence and not allowed to take part in any festivities. The film tries to address the taboo surrounding widows in Varanasi and Vrindavan in India. It is the story of friendship between a widow and a nine-year-old tightrope walker.

Just to be eligible for Oscars. (BEST FEATURE FILM)
Just to be on this list.
Jai Ma Ganga. On your banks I was reincarnated & now thissss miracle. https://t.co/p654zUVxkg pic.twitter.com/47cYpbrgYm

— Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) January 1, 2020

The film premiered at the 30th Palm Springs International Film Festival, USA on 4th January 2019. It has been screened at various film festivals since then. It won the Director’s Vision Award at the 16th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart and Best Feature Film at Dallas International Film Festival. For the Oscars, it has been shortlisted along with many Hollywood blockbusters and acclaimed films like Joker, Avengers: Endgame, The Good Liar, Jojo Rabbit, Judy and Cats. The official Oscar nominations will be announced on 13th January.