The Elephant Whisperers’ Bomman, Belli finally pose with the Oscar; fans say they ‘deserve to shine’

Couple Bomman and Belli, who were seen as elephant caretakers in the documentary The Elephant Whisperers, were all smiles as they posed with the Oscars trophy. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, The Elephant Whisperers director Kartiki Gonsalves shared a photo featuring the duo. Both of them held the award while posing for the camera. (Also Read | TN CM praises The Elephant Whisperers caretakers on Oscar win)

Sharing the picture, Kartiki wrote, “It’s been a long four months since we’ve been apart and now I feel like I’m home….. @theelephantwhisperers.” Reacting to the picture, Vishal Dadlani commented, “Easily my favourite #Oscars picture ever (clapping emojis).” Esha Gupta posted red heart emojis while Niharika Konidela dropped face holding back tears emojis. Mini Mathur said, “Love their smiles. Hugs and more hugs.” Aahana Kumra wrote, “Oh my god.”

A fan wrote, “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.” A comment read, “Was waiting to see the Oscar in their hands!” A person said, “Was hoping this would happen. Thanks for finally placing it in the hands of these beautiful people.” “I think now we need a photo of the Oscar with Raghu and Ammu,” commented an Instagram user.

The Elephant Whisperers depicted the care and love showered by caretakers, Belli and her husband Bomman, in rearing abandoned baby elephants at the government-run Theppakkadu Elephant Camp in the Nilgiris District. The short film was on two elephant calves, Raghu and Ammu, and Belli and Bomman’s strong bond with them.

The Elephant Whisperers created history at the 95th Academy Awards by becoming the maiden Indian production to win in the Documentary Short Subject category. On March 15, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin felicitated Bomman and Belli and presented them cheques of ₹1 lakh each, a shield, and shawls to honour them.

Recently, M K Stalin gave away ₹one crore cheque to Kartiki. At the Secretariat, he presented her a memento, shawl, and a certificate of commendation and gave her a cheque for ₹one crore, a government incentive. He congratulated her on winning the Oscar Award.

ott:10