MM Keeravani's 'Melodious' Oscar Acceptance Speech: "RRR Has To Win The Pride Of Every Indian"

The ‘Naatu’ performance by singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava received a standing ovation

Today, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Indian cinema made history as “Naatu Naatu” from ‘RRR’ became the first Asian song to win an Oscar in the “Best Original Song” category. Composer MM Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose went on to stage to receive the award while Rajamouli, Ram Charan, Jr NTR, and singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava along with their families, cheered them on from their seats. 

After receiving the prestigious award, MM Keeravani said, “Thank you Academy. I grew up listening to The Carpenters, and now here I am with the Oscars… There was only one wish on my mind, so was Rajamouli's and my family's. RRR has to win the pride of every Indian… and must put me on top of the world… Thank you Karthikeya and Variance Films, for making this possible love you all… Thank you. (sic)”

After the ceremony, Chandrabose spoke to the media backstage and talked about the beauty of Telugu language and how it made writing “Naatu Naatu” possible. He said, “Telugu has fifty-six letters. We have a lot of words, a lot of expressions, and a lot of feelings in our language. Telugu is a very great, very literary, and very musical language. Even an ordinary word sounds musical. While Telugu speakers will love the meaning of the song from RRR, non-speakers will love the sounds and the music inside the song that makes this possible. (sic)”