'Barfi!' beat 19 other films to become India's representative at the 85th Academy Awards to be held in February, 2013.
"We had not expected this kind of response to it - from Oscar nomination to box office collections to critical acclaim. All we knew is that we are making a special and a good film. I am numb, don't know how to react. I feel blessed. The Oscar nomination is icing on the cake," Basu told PTI.
'Barfi!' released in India on September 14 and registered Rs 58.6 crores in its opening week at the box office.
"It is a long way to go (in reference to Oscars). We are quite hopeful about the movie. All this will definitely give me more confidence but at the same time it will have an effect on my next film," he said.
A romantic comedy, the film revolves around a happy-go-lucky person Barfi, played by Ranbir Kapoor, as he goes through love and heartbreak. Priyanka Chopra plays an autistic girl, while it also marks the Bollywood debut of southern star Ileana D'Cruz.
Basu, whose last film 'Kites' was a big disappointment at the box office, has been lauded for the sensitive handling of the subject.
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"We never thought we would get this kind of response. It is humbling. Box office collection does matter to some extent as we are in the business of filmmaking. But we intend to touch several hearts. If people get connected and the film entertains them, that is a victory for all of us," Basu said.
"We do not make films thinking how much it will do well at the box office, what critics will say, all we want is that audience should like it," he said. MORE