“This award belongs to every Indian actor, technician and filmgoer."
The blockbuster track ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR has made history by becoming the first Indian film song to win an Oscar.
At the 95th Academy Awards, the song won ‘Best Original Song’, beating the likes of Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
The song’s catchy tempo and choreography captured audiences around the world, as did RRR, which was directed by SS Rajamouli.
Sung by Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj, the track has become known for its upbeat tempo.
On arrival at the ceremony, Kaala said:
“That’s the most beautiful part of the Oscars – people from all over the world coming together, representing their own culture and their own art forms and being appreciated by people from other countries and communities.”
The song made history in January 2023 when it won ‘Best Original Song’ at the Golden Globes. That same month, it also won the Critics’ Choice award for the best song.
While accepting the Oscar, composer MM Keeravani said the song was “the pride of every Indian”.
He said he had grown up listening to songs by The Carpenters and sang the rest of his acceptance speech in the tune of their song ‘Top Of The World’.
This prompted the audience to burst into laughter and applause as MM Keeravani said RRR had “put me on the top of the world”.
The historic moment led to congratulatory messages on Twitter.
RRR‘s lead star Ram Charan tweeted:
“Naatu Naatu is an emotion across the globe.
“This award belongs to every Indian actor, technician and filmgoer.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
“Exceptional! The popularity of ‘Naatu Naatu’ is global.
“It will be a song that will be remembered for years to come.
“Congratulations to @mmkeeravaani, @boselyricist and the entire team for this prestigious honour. India is elated and proud.”
Backstage, MM Keeravani said: “It’s just the beginning of everything.
“For the world, particularly the Western world, folks are more on Indian and Asian music.
“It’s just long due. I feel very happy to open doors and the world to embrace my culture.”
There was also a live performance at the ceremony.
The performance was introduced by Deepika Padukone, who had to pause at least three times in between due to the loud cheers from the audience.
For the act, the organisers recreated the set of the song, which was originally shot on the lawns of the Presidential Palace of Kyiv, Ukraine.
The two male dancers, who were dressed as Ram Charan’s Raju and Jr NTR’s Bheem, lip-synced to the track.
American dancer Lauren Gottlieb was also part of the dance routine.
The energetic performance received a standing ovation from the audience.
But ‘Naatu Naatu’ was not the only Oscars win for India.
The Elephant Whisperers won ‘Best Documentary Short Film’.
Watch the ‘Naatu Naatu’ Performance
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