It was indeed a historical night for both India & the South Asian community worldwide in more ways than one.
But first, I must sincerely thank the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences for putting on a great show this year and many thanks to the gifted and extremely talented show producer Raj Kapoor who did a wonderful job!
Winning TWO Academy Awards was something that took everyone by surprise especially considering what India was up against.
(Photo Courtesy: Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences)
This bears repeating, India bought home the gold!!
The first Oscar®win went for Best Original Song to the global sensation, “Naatu Naatu” from the incredible Telgu movie “RRR” beating out Lady Gaga’s “Hold on Hand” song. The win marks the first time India has won an Academy Award for best original song.
When the award-winning song which was choreographed, directed and produced by the world famous creative dance team Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo globally known as Nappy Tabs was performed live on stage, Hollywood A-listers and millions around the world not only got a glimpse of the amazing dance number but exposure to the elaborate and fast paced dance productions that the Indian film industry is globally known for.
(Photo Courtesy: Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences)
One my media friends was backstage at the show and told me that when “Naatu Naatu” was being performed live on stage, top Hollywood celebrities were dancing backstage to the beat! They also heard many actors praise the dynamic duo creative dancing team for producing a magical dance number.
The second Oscar® win went to the Best Documentary Short “The Elephant Whisperers”, a film about a tribal couple who foster an orphaned elephant. One of the producers of the film, Guneet Monga, accepted the award in a stunning fuchsia colored stunning Banarasi silk sari.
(Photo courtesy : Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences)
The leading star of the movie “RRR” the iconic Ram Charan graced the world famous red carpet dressed in a traditional black Sherwani Indian jacket and was accompanied by his stunning wife Upasana who was decked out in rubies and a specially made custom creme color exquisite silk saree.
Many in the media industry have commented that this year’s Academy Awards brought back fond memories from 2009 when the eight Oscar winning movie “Slumdog Millionaire” won Best Picture and Best Song for “Jai Ho” which was performed live on stage with musical genius and international star AR Rahman.
The journey continues and for India, it includes the Oscars!
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