‘We are not just coming as ourselves but we are coming as India today and thank you to the Academy for having us and having India!’ says Ram Charan on the red carpet for Oscars 2023
SS Rajamouli’s RRR and the film’s leading stars NTR Jr and Ram Charan have become the toast of town for created history by becoming the first Indian feature film to win an Oscar. The film’s hit soundtrack ‘Naatu Naatu’ composed by MM Keeravani has bagged the Best Original Song Award at the 95th Academy Awards being held in Los Angeles.
“Congratulations to everyone on the ‘RRR’ team including our director S.S. Rajamouli, the composer and lyricist of ‘Naatu Naatu’, M.M. Keeravaani and Chandrabose the vocalists who sang it, Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, our choreographer Prem Rakshith, and the cast who brought this song to life, and to the world. ‘Naatu Naatu’ has become a global phenomenon and proof that a great story, as well a great song can transcend language and borders. This song is no longer our song. ‘Naatu Naatu’ belongs to the public and the people of every age and culture who have embraced it. I would also like to congratulate Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga for their big win for The Elephant Whisperers. It’s a great moment for India today!” – Ram Charan
Ram Charan who attended the awards event with his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela wowed on the Red Carpet as he celebrated homegrown artisans with his custom-made bandh-gala Shantanu and Nikhil creation and the look was styled by Nikita Jaisinghani. Ram Charan’s character in the blockbuster movie RRR was of a freedom fighter, factoring the fabric of his character. The ensemble had nuances of our military, such as medallion inspired brooches and buttons that look like chakras. The gender fluid kurta added an edge to his style and showcased modern India. The actor conducted himself with finesse and panache on the red carpet.
Upasana Kamineni Konidela complemented Ram’s look with perfection in a Jayanti Reddy customised silk saree made using hand woven silk of spun fabric, created from recycled scraps and a statement Lilium neck piece by Bina Goenka that was intricately crafted and was in making from the last four years. It was manoeuvred with impeccable craftsmanship, made using the highest quality of natural gemstones of pearls and approximately 400 carats of high-quality rubies that cannot be recreated. Upasana has been incorporating sustainable practices and has initiated a string of community initiatives at grass-root levels to preserve nature and reduce our carbon footprint. Her look was further accessorised with a handmade potli made from scraps again.
On the red carpet, during one of his interviews, Ram said, “This is the best journey I have had as an actor and it can’t get better than this, I don’t know if I am an actor or having a fan-boy moment. I am really looking forward to that and I really thank my music composer for having us all here today. It is because of him and my director, not just coming as ourselves but we are coming as India today and thank you to the Academy for having us and having India!”