With “RRR” and “The Elephant Whisperers” bringing Oscar glory for India, film personalities from across the country, including Rajinikanth, A R Rahman, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn, celebrated the historic moment with pride on social media.
At the 95th Academy Awards, the foot-tapping chartbuster “Naatu Naatu”, composed by MM Keeravaani and penned by Chandrabose, made the Telugu feature film the first Indian production to bring home the golden statuette.
“The Elephant Whisperers”, directed by debutante Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, also became the maiden Indian production to win in the Documentary Short Film category.
“Naatu Naatu” choreographer Prem Rakshith told PTI from Los Angeles that the song’s win is a “huge proud moment for India”.
“We were all sitting together. We shouted like crazy and hugged each other,” he said, describing the euphoric moment when the film’s name was announced.
Rajinikanth tweeted, “My hearty congratulations to Shri. Keeravani, Shri. Rajamouli and Shri. Kartiki Gonsalves for getting the prestigious Oscar Award. I salute to the proud Indians.”
Rahman greeted the Oscar-winning teams of “RRR” and “The Elephant Whisperers” with “Jai Ho”, the track from 2008 movie “Slumdog Millionaire” that earned the music composer an Academy Award for Original Song. He had also won an Oscar for Original Score.
“Congratulations @mmkeeravaani garu and @boselyricist garu… As predicted and well deserved… Jaiho to both of you and the #RRR team!! #RRRatOSCARS” he said in a tweet.
“Congratulations @guneetm and @EarthSpectrum you’ve opened the flood gates of inspiration for indian film makers! Jai ho#bosswomen” he posted further.
“Truly inspirational”, said Shah Rukh on India’s twin triumph at the Oscars.
“Big hug to @guneetm & @EarthSpectrum for Elephant Whisperers. And @mmkeeravaani #ChandraBose ji @ssrajamouli @AlwaysRamCharan @tarak9999 thank u for showing us all, the way to do it. Both Oscars truly inspirational!!” the superstar tweeted.