MUMBAI: There is a palpable jubilant air at Resul Pookutty's residence in Goregaon in suburban Mumbai as excited cheers of Jai Ho... resound in the air since Monday morning.

Buzzing with family members, neighbours and well-wishers, the excitement level at the Pookutty household was apparent as he has become the first Keralite to win an Oscar ever.

The sound designer accepted the Oscar for Sound Editing along with re-recording mixers Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke. Pookutty hails from the village of Vilakkupara, Anchal in Kerala and is the youngest of three brothers and four sisters. He started studying law but dropped out half way and went on to pursue his passion for sound engineering at the Pune Film and Television Institute of India from where he graduated in 1995 

While Pookutty's wife Shadia is currently with him at the awards ceremony, his two young children are being cared for in Mumbai by his mother and other relatives.

Described by his family members as a caring and loving person, Resul, they say is an extremely dedicated professional.
Speaking highly of his achievements in Gajini, Black, and Saawariya Resul's mother and sister in law, who are currently at home watching each inch of the Academy awards footage over and over, feel that it was Slumdog Millionaire... that catapulted him into the limelight on an international front.

They also stated that they are proud of the recognition that he is receiving now as they feel the line he is in doesn't really get the credit it deserves as the work is done behind the scenes....

They describe Resul as a perfectionist who gives his best to everything he does and leaves no space for improvement. According to them, recognition and awards are not what matter to Pookutty but honest work that he is truly passionate and committed to. Though his dedication to his projects take him away from home, the family has always supported his dreams and find joy in knowing that he is doing what he truly loves. He is a family man and according to them, always finds a way to balance both his work and his personal life.

They believe in his vision of redefining the sound industry of the Indian Film Industry.

When asked whether Pookutty was interested in working on any projects in the Malayalam film industry, family members said that he is interested in working on a movie with Malayalam film star, Mammootty.

Resul Pookutty will reach Mumbai Wednesday - a homecoming that will be watched with eagerness as much by his family as a grateful nation.