RRR's Naatu Naatu song bags Golden Globe
For the first time an Indian production has won a Golden Globe for the 'best original song-motion picture'
image for illustrative purpose
Los Angeles: "NaatuNaatu", the irrepressible, fun number from the blockbuster RRR movie, danced its way to a Golden Globe as the 'best original song-motion picture' - and to Indian showbiz history - at a star-spangled awards ceremony here. The song, which beat the likes of Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Lady Gaga, to win the coveted award is the first time that an Indian production has won a Golden Globe.
Organised by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the prestigious awards, which mark the beginning of the Hollywood season that ends with the Oscars, were presented here on Tuesday night. RRR had also been nominated in the 'best picture-non English' category and lost out to Argentina's historical drama "Argentina, 1985". But there was compensation aplenty. "And the Globe goes to 'NaatuNaatu' 'RRR'," actor Jenna Ortega announced on stage to loud cheers from the 'RRR' team. The track has been composed by veteran music director MM Keeravaani and voiced by singers Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj.
Keeravaani thanked director SS Rajamouli for his "vision" as he accepted the award. Keeravaani said: "It has been an age-old practice to say that this award actually belongs to someone else. So I was planning to not say those words when I get an award like this, but I'm sorry to say that I'm going to repeat the tradition because I mean my words. This award belongs to, in order of priority, my brother and the director of the movie, SS Rajamouli for his vision. I thank him for this constant trust in my work and support."
As Indian cinema fans woke up on Monday to the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the "RRR" team and said it was a very special accomplishment. "This prestigious honour has made every Indian very proud, the prime minister tweeted. Rajamouli said he was speechless. "Music truly knows no boundaries," the director tweeted with a behind-the-scenes video of the team celebrating the win during the ceremony. "Sir just woke up and started dancing to NaatuNaatu celebrating your win at Golden Globes. Here's too many more awards & making India so proud!"
Shah Rukh Khan said on Twitter. What is 'NaatuNaatu'? was the question many asked about the song that celebrates the inclusive spirit of dance and bonhomie and had them matching steps to its catchy rhythm ever since its release in March last year.
"NaatuNaatu", filmed on Ram Charan and Jr NTR, roughly translates to dance like no one's watching in Telugu. Choreographed by Prem Rakshith, it has legions of followers still trying to master its steps. The song, which became a sensation across social media as users took to their own version in viral Instagram and Tik-tok videos, has been shortlisted for the best original song, along with 14 others, in the Oscars. In his tweet, Rajamouli addressed Keeravani as Pedanna (big brother).
"Congratulations & thank you Pedanna for giving me #NaatuNaatu. This one is special. I thank each & every fan across the globe for shaking their leg & making it popular ever since the release. #GoldenGlobes," the director tweeted. The veteran music composer also thanked the team behind the track, including lyricist Chandrabose. And NT Rama Rao Jr and Ram Charan for dancing with full stamina for the song.
In 2009, A R Rahman became the first Indian to win a Golden Globe for 'best score-motion picture' for the British film Slumdog Millionaire. The Danny Boyle directed film went on to win eight Oscars, including two for Rahman (one of which he shared with veteran lyricist Gulzar for best song winner 'Jai Ho') and one for ResulPookutty (sound mixing). The Oscar-winning composer reacted to RRR's win with enthusiasm on social media. "Incredible. Paradigm shift Congrats Keeravani Garu from all Indians and your fans! Congrats @ssrajamouliGaru and the whole RRR team," Rahman said.
RRR follows a pre-Independence fictional story woven around two real-life Indian revolutionaries - Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and KomaramBheem (Jr NTR) - in the 1920s. It also stars Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn in key roles. The film's team - led by Rajamouli and leading men -- arrived on the red carpet of the Golden Globes in style. While Ram Charan and Rajamouli opted for black Indian outfits, Jr NTR wore a black tuxedo to the award ceremony.
