‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’ Wins Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards

From screens around the globe to one of the most important stages in movie history, RRR song “Naatu Naatu” became the second Indian composition to win Best Original Song at the Oscars. Composer M.M. Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose were on stage to receive the Academy Award, which was presented by actor, model and musician Janelle Monae and actor Kate Hudson.

Keeravani took the stage with Chandrabose to massive applause. He said on stage, “Thank you, Academy. I grew up listening to The Carpenters and now here I am with the Oscars.” The composer then proceeded to sing to the tune of The Carpenters’ song “Top Of The World” as regaled the audience in song. “There was only one wish on my mind. So it was Rajamouli’s and my family’s. RRR has to win. Pride of every Indian and must put me on the top of the world,” Keeravani said.

The win for “Naatu Naatu” comes on the back of the song being performed at the Oscars in Los Angeles and awards at previously held film events such as the Golden Globes. Although a lot of hopes were pinned on RRR to win Best International Feature Film, it missed out on being nominated at the Oscars. That honor this year went to All Quiet On The Western Front, a German film.

While “Naatu Naatu” now holds the distinction of being the first song from an Indian production to win an Oscar, A.R. Rahman‘s “Jai Ho” from the Danny Boyle-directed Slumdog Millionaire won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards in 2009. Like “Naatu Naatu,” Rahman too performed the song at the Oscars.