MUMBAI: Actress Ileana D’Cruz, who began her career in Bollywood with “Barfi”, said she was proud to be part of the team and that it was an honour and privilege and a matter of pride to get an official entry to the Oscars.

“‘Barfi’ has received an overwhelming response from the audience and the critics. The news of being selected as India’s entry to the Oscars is an honour and a privilege and a matter of pride for the ‘Barfi’ team,” Ileana’s spokesperson told IANS.

The Film Federation of India (FFI) shortlisted some critically acclaimed films, including “Paan Singh Tomar” and “Kahaani”, but “Barfi” was selected to represent India in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

So far in the history of Indian cinema, only three Bollywood films, including Mehboob Khan’s “Mother India” (1957), Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay” (1988) and Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan” (2001), have made it to the nomination stage.

Directed by Anurag Basu, “Barfi” features Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D’Cruz among others.