Film Federation of India (FFI) had sent a letter to the director of ‘The Lunchbox’, Ritesh Batra, demanding apology for his comments on the jury for selection of India's official entry to the Oscars.

The federation made this demand following Batra’s certain allegations over - Gyan Correa's Gujarati film ‘The Good Road’ - their choice of film sent as a part of this year's Indian entry to the Oscars.

Expressing his heartfelt apology and also giving some piece of his mind, Batra wrote a letter in response to FFI, "Many industry stalwarts have made comments similar to mine but you sent the letter to me, a debutant filmmaker, but I am honoured and proud to speak for my film and team.

If an apology is what you demand, you have it. Both you and the jury have my wholehearted apology. There was no intent to hurt anyone, but rather to participate in the vigorous debate that this decision ignited in the public domain.

I sincerely hope that the annual reactions to our Academy selections from the national press, and this year from even the international press, prompt a new policy for the selection.

Sir, please use your good offices to give us a transparent, objective process with a public and not a secret jury. It is a direct and humble request, not a criticism.

I have moved on from this debate to focus on more productive pursuits and I would encourage everyone to do the same. With much respect for your tough job...