# Reliving RRR's Oscar Glory: As 2026 Oscars Approach, Naatu Naatu Still Steals the Show! Can you still hear the infectious beats of **Naatu Naatu** echoing through the Dolby Theatre? Three years after S.S. Rajamouli's *RRR* made history at the 2023 Oscars, that high-energy dance number remains a global phenomenon, and with the 2026 Academy Awards on the horizon, it's the perfect time to revisit those unforgettable moments.[1][2] *RRR*, the epic Indian blockbuster directed by **S.S. Rajamouli**, didn't just captivate audiences with its larger-than-life action—its song **"Naatu Naatu"** clinched the **Best Original Song** Oscar, becoming the first for an Indian feature film.[3][4][5] Composed by M.M. Keeravani with lyrics by Chandrabose, the track—performed by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava—beat out heavyweights like Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" and Lady Gaga's "Hold My Hand."[2][5] Keeravani's acceptance speech was pure magic: "I grew up listening to The Carpenters, and now here I am with the Oscars... 'RRR' has to win, pride of every Indian!"[1][4][5] The crowd erupted, with stars like Colin Farrell giving a standing ovation during the epic live performance introduced by Deepika Padukone.[3][6] What made **Naatu Naatu** iconic? Rajamouli breaks it down: Filmed at Ukraine's presidential palace, it features freedom fighters Komaram Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) in a thrilling dance-off against British rivals. The standout moment? Loose suspenders improvised on set by choreographer Rakshith, turning a fun routine into a "fight scene" through dance—fast, competitive, and bursting with energy.[1][2] Ram Charan called it an "out-of-body experience," as the *RRR* team partied post-win.[2] From TikTok takeovers to Oscar stages, this earworm united cultures and opened doors for Indian cinema worldwide.[3][4]
Naatu Naatu live performance at the 2023 Oscars – pure energy! (Unsplash free image)
Citations
1.https://nofilmschool.com/ss-rajamouli-breaks-down-oscar-winning-scene
2.https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2023-03-12/oscars-2023-rrr-naatu-naatu-wins-historic-best-song-mm-keeravani-chandrabose
3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A59QG46ftkk
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2KKQvORmt8
5.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYt_srWx_V8
6.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUMKOZ1z-vM
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