The Elephant Whisperers' Bomman And Belli Pose with The Oscar Trophy, Netizens Say They 'Deserve To Shine Brightest'

Couple Bomman and Belli, who were seen as elephant caretakers, in the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers' posed with the golden statuette.

New Delhi: Couple Bomman and Belli, who were seen as elephant caretakers, in the Oscar-winning documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers' posed with the golden statuette. Taking to Instagram, the documentary director Kartiki Gonsalves shared a photo of the two holding the award and smiling for the camera. 
 
Kartiki captioned the image: "It's been a long four months since we've been apart and now I feel like I'm home... @theelephantwhisperers." 

Fans and industry friends of the director were quick to comment on the photo. Mini Mathur said, "Love their smiles. Hugs and more hugs." Vishal Dadlani commented, "Easily my favourite #Oscars picture ever (clapping emojis)." Esha Gupta posted red heart emojis while Aahana Kumra wrote, "Oh my god." 

“Was waiting to see the Oscar in their hands ! Heres to many many movies about community members and the role they play in protecting our forests,” wrote one user. 

Another user commented, "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."   

After the documentary’s win, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin met and honoured Bomman and Bellie from Mudhumalai Tiger Reserve at Chennai. He also presented them with check for Rs 1 lakh.  

CM Stalin also presented Kartiki a cheque for Rs one crore, a memento, a shawl, and a certificate of commendation recently.  

While accepting her Oscar, Kartiki, who was accompanied by producer Guneet Monga, said: "I stand here to speak today about the sacred bond between us and the natural world for the respect of indigenous communities and empathy towards other living beings we share our space with and finally for coexistence. Thank you to the academy for recognising our film, highlighting indigenous people and animals. To my motherland India." 

'The Elephant Whisperers' tells the story of an indigenous couple named Bomman and Bellie who are entrusted with an orphaned baby elephant named Raghu.  
  
They take great pains to ensure that the fragile, injured infant survives and becomes a healthy tusker. Set in the Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu, the documentary also highlights the location's natural beauty. It explores the life of tribal people in harmony with nature.