'Peepli Live' is India's official Oscar entry

Aamir Khan's production 'Peepli Live' has been chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars, an official at the star's office said.

Aamir was on the top of the world as the news came in. He said it's a "special honour" to represent the country.

"I'm really happy to hear that 'Peepli Live' has been chosen to represent India at the Oscars. It is always a special honour for me to represent India on a world platform and I would like to thank the Film Federation of India (FFI) for considering us worthy," Aamir said.

'Peepli Live' is former journalist Anusha Rizvi's debut film as director and does not boast of big stars.

"My congratulations to Anusha and the entire team," added Aamir.

This is the third time that a film with which Aamir is associated has been chosen to contend for the best foreign film award at the Oscars by the FFI.

The first was Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2001 film 'Lagaan', featuring Aamir in the lead, which was nominated among the best five in the best foreign film category. But it lost to 'No Man’s Land'.

In 2008, his production and debut directorial 'Taare Zameen Par' was chosen by the FFI as India’s official entry for the Academy Award, but it failed to make it to the top five.

'Peepli Live' which does not boast of any big stars, is a satirical take on farmer suicides in India and takes pot shots at the media, politicians and bureaucrats.