26 Jan – Indian composer MM Keeravani has successfully put his name among the greats as his song "Naatu Naatu" from the movie "RRR" has been nominated at the 95th Academy Awards for Best Original Song. The song will be competing with the likes of "Applause" ("Tell It Like a Woman"), "Lift Me Up" (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"), "This is a Life" ("Everything Everywhere All At Once"), and "Hold My Hand" ("Top Gun: Maverick"). "It feels great," said the composer about the nomination. "My feelings about the Oscars are the best, because it involves the dreams of artists from all over the world; which is not a joke. It takes a great deal of effort and credibility. That's why the Oscars is the Oscars. That's why we respect and value it very much. And I'm very proud to be nominated for the first time from [South] Asia in this music category. I'm thrilled."
It is noted that Keeravani is not the first Indian to be nominated, as AR Rahman was the first to do so for the British production of "Slumdog Millionaire" song, "Jai Ho". However, Keeravani is the first Indian composer to be nominated for a song from an Indian film production. The good news was also celebrated by the team of "RRR", including director SS Rajamouli, who expressed, "I can't ask for more. I am currently doing Naatu Naatu more vigorously than Tarak and Charam."