MM Keeravani, a veteran music composer who has worked on over 200 films, has made history by becoming the first Indian music composer to receive an Oscar award for an Indian film. Keeravani’s composition “Naatu Naatu” won best original song at the 2023 Oscars.
Keeravani accepted the award on stage with lyricist Chandrabose. He sang onstage as he collected his award. “I grew up listening to the Carpenters and now here I am at the Oscars,” Keeravaani told the audience.
Karen and Richard Carpenter, the Carpenters, were an American vocal and instrumental duo. Keeravani broke into song, singing the lyrics to the Carpenters’ hit “Top of the World.”
“There was only one wish on my mind,” he sang. “So was Rajamouli’s and my family’s. RRR has to win, pride of every Indian and must put me on the top of the world.”
He expressed gratitude to Karhikeya. “Karthikeya and Variance Films, thank you for making this possible. Thank you for everything.”
Keeravaani won alongside lyricist Chandrabose, who ended his acceptance speech with “Namaste.”
