Naatu Naatu composer MM Keeravani's Carpenters-inspired Oscars acceptance speech: 'RRR has to win, the pride of every Indian'

Director SS Rajamouli's global hit RRR created history on Monday after bagging the prestigious Oscar award for its smash hit dance number, Naatu Naatu . The song competed against Applause from Tell It Like a Woman, Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Hold My Hand from Top Gun: Maverick, This Is a Life from Everything Everywhere All at Once. But, the Telugu dance anthem emerged victorious despite all the odds against it just like the film's two heroes, Ram and Bheem (played by Ram Charan and Jr NTR respectively). 

Naatu Naatu composer MM Keeravani and his lyricist Chandrabose went up on the stage to collect the awards from Hollywood actors Janelle Monáe and Kate Hudson. And Keeravani even though he looked a little overwhelmed he managed to remain to compose and deliver a unique acceptance speech. Instead of squeezing in all the people he wants to thank for this win within the allotted time of 45 seconds, he did something creative and heart-warming. He tweaked the lyrics of Top of the World by Carpenters and kept his speech short, sweet, gracious and wrapped in a strong sense of nostalgia. 

"Thank you, Academy. I grew up listing to The Carpenters. Now, here I am with the Oscars," he said and then he sang, "There was only one wish on my mind. So were Rajamouli's and my family's. RRR has to win, the pride of every Indian. And must put me on top of the world." 

It was the first nomination and win for an Indian film in the best song category at the Oscars. Traditionally, Indian feature films have not secured an Oscar nod in any other categories, except the best international film. Choreographer Prem Rakshit deserves a lion's share for coming up with electrifying dance moves that made his song a hit in every part of the world.