India, Aug. 13 -- Actor Vipin Sharma, known for his role in Taare Zameen Par (2008), has added another feather to his cap. His short film Kamathipura Express, directed by Leon Korzynsky from Warsaw Film School, Poland, won the silver medal at the Student Academy Awards, announced last week. "It stands in a very great place as it's, after all, an Oscar. It won the silver medal out of 2,972 entries from 894 colleges and universities worldwide," Sharma says. He adds that the film will now compete in the Best Short Film category at the Oscars. He shares, "The gold, silver and bronze awardees get a direct entry as a nomination for the Academy Awards to be held in LA in March 2027. Some of the very big filmmakers today have won this award as a student." The actor plays the antagonist in the film, which was shot in September 2025 in the slums of Mumbai and Bengaluru. It stars Polish actors Oskar Karos and Mia Paul, who plays Vipin's daughter. Reflecting on his experience of working with young people, Sharma says there was much to learn from the students. "The director is barely 24, but as an actor I just surrender to my director. These youngsters bring so much energy and passion to make a film," he says. Recalling an incident during the making, the actor shares, "We were shooting at a beach in the coastal area, and the police were not allowing us to shoot. I saw they were in tears and touching the feet of policemen and literally begging them. Such is their passion and attachment to their film." Sharma further shares that this win "opens the door for more young filmmakers to come and shoot in India." "For young directors it's a dream to make a film in India. Leon was very fascinated with Slumdog Millionaire (2008). He conceived the film and made it independently," he adds. Organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the ceremony for Student Academy Awards will be held as part of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada next month....