Rahman bags Golden Globe for Slumdog

Music maestro A R Rahman, who became the first Indian to win the prestigious Golden Globe Award, dedicated it to the "billion people of India," as British Director Danny Boyle's Mumbai-based saga 'Slumdog Millionaire,' bagged four prizes at the ceremony today.

A Mumbai underdog's rags-to-riches story, 'Slumdog Millionaire', swept all the four categories it was nominated for, winning the best director award for Boyle, the best music score for Rahman, best screenplay for Simon Beaufoy and also in the category of best drama.

Rahman, who won the coveted prize for his music score 'Jai Ho' in the film, thanked the director and his fellow musicians in Mumbai and Chennai, besides the "billion people from India".

"Unbelievable..! I thought, I would not win, so anyways thanks to the almighty God for bringing me here... Danny Boyle, Fox pictures, all my musicians in Chennai, Mumbai,.. and the billion people from India," he said while accepting the award.

Director Danny Boyle bagged the best director award, while Simon Beaufoy won the best screenplay award for the film that starred Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and British Indian Dev Patel.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was at the ceremony to represent India, introduced the film to the foreign audience with 'Slumdog' actress Frieda Pinto.

It is also the first Golden Globe for 52-year-old Boyle, who is expected to be among the favourites at next month's Oscars following the phenomenal success of the film at award circuits.

Boyle's film depicts the heart-warming story of an orphan Jamaal, who goes on to win the Indian version of popular game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? to get his love back.

The film was adapted from Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel 'Q and A' by screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, best known for 1997 hit 'The Full Monty."

The film also starred Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan. Australian actor Heath Ledger was honoured posthumously for his portrayal of the villainous character 'The Joker' in Batman sequel 'The Dark Knight'.

British actress Kate Winslet romped home with both the best actress and the best supporting actress awards for her performances in 'Revolutionary Road' and 'The Reader' respectively.

She beat Meryl Streep 'Doubt', Anne Hathaway 'Racheal Getting Married,' Angelina Jolie 'The Changeling' and Kristin Scott-Thomas in best actress category.

Hollywwod superstar Brad Pitt's drama 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' which had bagged five nominations along with 'Frost/Nixon' and 'Doubt' failed to get any awards.