‘Naatu Naatu’ Wins Best Original Song at the 2023 Oscars, Creates History For India! 

‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’ is the first non-English song to win the Best Original Song at the Oscars since ‘Jai Ho’ from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ more than a decade ago. Rihanna gave a chilling performance of ‘Lift Me Up’, which is another song nominated for the same category as ‘Naatu Naatu’. After the performance, Janelle Monáe and Kate Hudson announced the winner. The composer, M.M. Keeravani and artist-lyricist Chandrabose accepted the award for their vibrant and upbeat song in the otherwise action film. 

Image Courtesy: BQ Prime

“I grew up listening to the Carpenters and now here I am with the Oscars,” Keeravani said in his speech. He concluded by saying, “I love you all!” Chandrabose, on the other hand, had a one-word message: “Namaste.”

‘Naatu Naatu’ competed against ‘Applause’ from ‘Tell It Like a Woman’ (music and lyrics by Dianne Warren), ‘Hold My Hand’ from ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (music and lyrics by Lady Gaga and BloodPop), ‘Lift Me Up’ from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (music by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Göransson and lyrics by Tems and Coogler) and ‘This Is a Life’ from ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne and Mitski; lyrics by Ryan Lott and David Byrne).

Keeravani expressed in an interview that he was hoping to meet Rihanna at the Oscars. He also spoke about what’s next for him, asserting that, “I am looking forward to the world embracing more and more Indian songs, movies, stories and cultures. Not only from me, but from my fellow musicians, directors and movie-makers in India.”

– Riya Sohini