Raised in a Gujarati Fijian Indian household, I was raised thinking Hindi-language films were the epitome of Indian entertainment. It’s a similar case for many, particularly those from North India or people living in the west. Bollywood is what the western world often associates with Indian cinema, and while it’s undeniably a huge industry that trumps Hollywood in volume of movies produced, it’s not the only thing that represents the country’s movie business.
Telugu film, RRR’s recent Golden Globes win was a reminder of that, and understandably a huge moment for South Indians who barely get such global recognition. The film’s popular hit, Naatu Naatu became the first Asian song to receive a Golden Globe, winning the category of ‘Best Original Song’.
It’s a catchy track that’s managed to captivate the lens of people across South Asia and beyond, becoming a viral sensation on TikTok due to its fast pace and sensational dance moves performed by the movie’s stars, Ram Charan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr.
Accepting the award on stage at the Golden Globes was composer-songwriter M.M. Keeravani, who told Variety earlier in the week that the incredible response to Naatu Naatu has been mindblowing.
“I did not guess there would be this kind of response for this song, even in my dreams,” he told the publication. “But as a paradoxical statement, it’s a dream coming true.”
Watch the moment Naatu Naatu wins the award, plus the awesome social media reactions highlighting the significance of a Telugu song taking out the big win.