2 big wins for India at Oscars 2023

Hyderabad: “Naatu Naatu”, the irrepressible, fun number from the film “RRR”, and documentary short “The Elephant Whisperers” made Oscar history for India on Monday with one Academy Award each, the two wins showcasing cinema beyond Bollywood and the growing might of the Indian non-feature segment.

This is the first time two India-made productions have bagged the cinema world's biggest prize. Dancers took over the stage at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre, recreating the hugely popular hook steps from the four-minute Telugu track, and actor Deepika Padukone introduced the song to loud cheers.

The win for “Naatu Naatu”, “Naacho Naacho” in Hindi, composed by M M Keeravaani and penned by Chandrabose in S S Rajamouli's blockbuster film, is the fourth non-English song to win an Oscar in the category and the first song in foreign language since “Jai Ho” in 2009 to bag the prize.

“Naatu Naatu” is as much a jubilant chorus as was “Jai Ho”, the foot-tapping number by A R Rahman and Gulzar from the British film "Slumdog Millionaire".

As 'Naatu Naatu' won the Best Song, filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli had the most epic reaction as he was seen screaming in joy and hugging his wife. Leaving behind names such as Lady Gaga, Diane Warren and Rihanna, 'Naatu Naatu' made history after contending against songs such as 'Applause' from 'Tell It Like a Woman', 'Hold My Hand' from 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' and 'This Is a Life' from 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'.

Music composer MM Keeravaani gave an emotional speech on receiving the award. 'Naatu Naatu' has also won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award this year.

As news of the Oscar win came in, “Naatu Naatu” was the buzz term for the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and a host of showbiz celebs, including Rajinikanth and Shah Rukh Khan hailed the twin Oscar wins. Congratulating the team for the prestigious honour, the Prime Minister said on Twitter, "Exceptional! The popularity of ‘Naatu Naatu' is global. It will be a song that will be remembered for years to come... India is elated and proud. #Oscars." "Congratulations to @EarthSpectrum, @guneetm and the entire team of ‘The Elephant Whisperers' for this honour. Their work wonderfully highlights the importance of sustainable development and living in harmony with nature. #Oscars,” he added. "The Elephant Whisperers", by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga, which explores the bond between humans and an abandoned elephant calf in a Tamil Nadu sanctuary, is India's first win in the Documentary Short category.

It was not just a night for India. The 95th Academy Awards will also be remembered for recognising Asian talent with “Everything Everwhere All at Once” bagging seven awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan, Best Actress for Malaysia's Michelle Yeoh and Best Supporting Actor for Vietnamese American Ke Huy Quan.