Vijayendra Prasad, Hansal Mehta, Lalit Pandit and Prasoon Joshi react to ‘Naatu Naatu’s Oscar victory

By Subhash K. Jha -

March 13, 2023 - 4:10 PM IST

RRR’s writer Vijayendra Prasad, who is also the film’s director Rajamouli’s father, sees the Oscar for ‘Naatu Naatu’ as a much wider victory. “It is not just a triumph for RRR and Keeravani but also for all the talented artistes and technicians of Indian cinema. This is a moment of pride for all Indians.”

Vijayendra Prasad, Hansal Mehta, Lalit Pandit and Prasoon Joshi react to ‘Naatu Naatu’s Oscar victory

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta shares Vijayendra Prasad’s sentiments. Says Hansal, “The Elephant Whisperers, Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga then ‘Naatu Naatu’. What a moment this is! And I think this is just the beginning. Many congratulations to all the winners. I am a bit disappointed about All That Breathes not getting an Oscar. But never mind. 2 out of 3 is good enough.”

Music composer Lalit Pandit woke up on Monday morning to the best news he has heard in a while. “We have been honoured with an Oscar. India has started making a regular mark at the Oscar’s and just not getting nominated, but winning them in different categories. The song ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Oscar as the best original song composed by M M Keeravani is a huge achievement after the Rahman’s Jai Ho song. Congratulations to the entire team who made this magic happened at the Oscar and making India proud winning at the biggest stage for films and music!”

Lalit is also delighted by India’s double-whammy at the Oscars. “A huge congratulations to Kartiki Gonsalves and the team behind The Elephant Whisperers for winning the best documentary at the Academy Awards 2023 .Thanks for putting a wildlife film from India at the very top, Kartiki and Netflix!” He is also proud of India’s third entry into the Oscars. “Congratulations also to Shaunak Sen and team for the Oscar nominated All That Breathes, which has been among the most sublime documentaries I have ever watched. I believe being nominated for the Oscar is itself a huge achievement And it was a proud moment for Lagaan to be there being nominated amongst the biggest.”

Prasoon Joshi an eminent poet and lyricist himself shared his joy at M M Keeravani and RRR’s triumph at the Oscars. Says Prasoon, “I couldn’t be more happy for music director M M Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose. The song and the film have made their place in the hearts of Indians. To see them resonate globally is wonderful. Congratulations to the entire team of RRR.”

Prasoon who has written remarkable songs like ‘Mukhtasar Mulakat Hai’, ‘Lukka Chuppi’ and ‘Masak Kali’, feel the legacy of film music is now back on the right track. Songs in Indian Cinema have been celebrated and have been memory keepers of generations. We need to ensure that the quality of our Lyrics and music is given due importance by the makers beyond the here and now. Quality songs are a legacy we need to create and leave behind for lovers of good music poetry and cinema.”

Also Read: Oscars 2023 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates teams of RRR and The Elephant Whisperers on their Academy Award wins