New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country was “elated and proud” that the stupendously popular song “Naatu Naatu” won best original song at the 95th Academy Awards Monday – the first song ever from an Indian production to be nominated for the Oscars.
Modi said the popularity of the song was global, and that it would be remembered for years to come.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the other big win of the night from India – “The Elephant Whisperers”, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves. She credited “Motherland India” for her win.
“Naatu Natatu” – from the Telugu movie “RRR” — was also performed at the Dolby theatre on world cinema’s biggest night, with the audience foot-tapping and hooting throughout, and capping it all with a standing ovation.
Actor Deepika Padukone, in a classic Louis Vuitton gown, proudly introduced the song to the audience: “Do you know Naatu? Because if you don’t, you are about to!”
She said of the song: “It plays during a pivotal scene in ‘RRR’… In addition to being sung in Telugu and illustrating the film’s anti-colonialist themes, it is also a total banger!”
It can be Bigger Than This. 🔥
Out Very Own #DeepikaPadukone introduced the #NaatuNaatu song in #Oscars2023, The 1st Indian Original Song nominated for #BestOriginalSong Category in #Oscars.
This Moment we will cherish Forever ❤️#JrNTR #RamCharan #SSRajamouli #RRR pic.twitter.com/yX1EVkt2T0
— Ashwani kumar (@BorntobeAshwani) March 13, 2023
“RRR” director S.S. Rajamouli told a journalist after the show that this win would certainly accelerate the script of the sequel.
He said: “It feels completely surreal. To be very frank, we were almost expecting to win the award… So nice to see the audience clapping, giving a standing ovation to performers.”
#RRR director S.S. Rajamouli on tonight's performance of "Naatu Naatu": "It is so nice to see the whole audience clapping throughout the song, giving a standing ovation for the performers." https://t.co/rFbWWpKdH7 pic.twitter.com/RJixZ83QEZ
— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023
The Oscar statuette was awarded to composer M.M. Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose. During his acceptance speech, Keeravani sang a version of The Carpenters’ hit song “Top of the World”.
After the awards, “RRR” actor Ram Charan said: “It happened for India… It worked. It worked! We are proud of Indians for the reception they have given to our film. I thank the Western audience and the Western media who embraced and gave us such a warm reception.”
#RRR star Ram Charan shares a message to India after the film won the Oscar for best original song. https://t.co/ujNG9eM1FD pic.twitter.com/CCUMesgS87
— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023
The other protagonist of the film, NTR Jr, was asked what he wanted people to know about Indian cinema and what more was there to know. He said: “I think India is a very diverse country, with a very strong cultural background. That’s what you see in ‘RRR’. There are many stories which need to be told to the world — intense, strong, emotional, dramatic, action filled… many stories will come out of India, now that they have the confidence.
NTR Jr. on #RRR’s importance to Indian cinema: “I think India is a very diverse country with a very strong cultural background… there are many stories that are going to come out of India now, now that they have the confidence.” https://t.co/vBDJNHijqQ pic.twitter.com/EaYENNozwL
— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023
Also read: ‘Naatu Naatu’ from SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ creates Oscars history, wins Best Original Song