Oscars face flak for excluding South Asians in ‘Naatu Naatu’ performance, show producer responds

Artists and commentators have pointed up the exclusion of Indian and South Asian dancers in the live rendition of ‘Naatu Naatu’ at the 95th Oscars ceremony

‘Naatu Naatu’s historic reception at the 95th Academy Awards has now been marked by a controversy.

The anthemic song from SS Rajamouli’s global blockbuster RRR is the first from an Indian production to win Best Original Song at the Oscars.

However, before and after the Oscars telecast on March 12, many raised objections to the exclusion of South Asian origin dancers and choreographers in the live rendition of ‘Naatu Naatu’ at the Oscars ceremony.

Composed by MM Keeravani and penned by Chandrabose, ‘Naatu Naatu’ is a thumping dance number performed by Ram Charan and Jr. NTR in RRR.

The Telugu-language song has been noted for its energetic beats and strong anti-colonialist lyrics.

‘Naatu Naatu’, which also won the Golden Globe for best original song earlier this year, was conducted live at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony by Keeravani and sung by its original singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava. The track was presented onstage by Indian star Deepika Padukone, who called it a ‘total banger’. However, the dance performance that accompanied the piece was choreographed by US-based duo Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo, together known as Nappytabs.

Also Read |M.M. Keeravani on ‘Naatu Naatu’ Oscars win: It’s just the beginning of everything