Oscars 2023: Deepika Padukone introduces RRR’s Naatu Naatu, performance receives a standing ovation

Naatu Naatu, composed by MM Keeravani, was the first Telugu song and the first song from an Indian production to be nominated for an Oscar.

The 95th Academy Awards kicked off with a bang at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles recently. The prestigious awards were a moment of pride for the Indian film industry indeed, courtesy of team RRR. The film’s song Naatu Naatu went on to create history, becoming the first ever Telugu song as well as the first song from an Indian production to be nominated for an Oscar. The song, which was nominated in the Best Original Song, was performed live on the Oscars stage, and was introduced by none other than Deepika Padukone.

Deepika took to the stage in a stunning black gown and introduced the song. The actress spoke of how the song’s electrifying beats, and killer dance moves to match, made it a global sensation. Calling the track ‘a total banger’y, Deepika concluded her presentation with “Do u know Naatu, if not, you're about to”.

The stunning and vibrant performance of the song was certainly one of the highlights of the ceremony. Lauren Gottlieb, who shared the screen with Prabhu Deva in ABCD: Any Body Can Dance and was also a contestant on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, was also a performer in the song. The performance received a standing ovation from the audience.

RRR director SS Rajamouli, Jr NTR Jr and Ram Charan also attended the ceremony. In an interview on the red carpet, Ram Charan spoke of how it was everybody’s dream to see RRR make such waves in the film industry, and added that it felt like they were representing the entire country at the prestigious award ceremony.

Naatu Naatu was also referenced in the opening monologue by Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted this year’s ceremony. He joked that instead of being played off by music, winners would be danced off the stage, as the performers of Naatu Naatu gathered around him.

The 95th Academy Awards was streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar on Monday.

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