Where were the dancers of South Asian descent in last week’s Oscars performance of Naatu Naatu? That is the core of ongoing criticism of the dance sequence of the viral hit song from international film hit RRR as performed on the night.
Naatu Naatu made Oscars history as the first song from an Indian film to win the Academy Award for best original song — pushing aside heavyweights Lady Gaga and Rihanna to snag the prize.
With music by composer M.M. Keeravani and lyrics by Chandrabose, the win for the Telugu-language song followed an exuberant performance, including the “hook dance” steps from the film rejigged for the Dolby Theatre stage.
However something was missing on the night as plenty of outlets have been quick to point out – then and since.
Dancers perform ‘Naatu Naatu’ from “RRR” onstage at the 95th Annual Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre on…
