Juan Carlos Garcia/Reform Agency
Monday, January 16, 2023 | 08:03
Mexico City.- MM Keeravani, author of the song “Naatu Naatu”, which has just won the Golden Globe and the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Original Song, is confident that the song can reach Oscar nominations in the same category.
Although the piece appeared among the 15 semifinalists to make it to the nominations, which will be announced next week, the Indian musician said he is not concerned that there are other much more famous names, such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Diane Warren, Taylor Swift. and The Weeknd.
“I was an underdog (for the Golden Globe) and we got nominated and we won. And it was a magical moment, where I felt my heart stop, but I immediately got over it and enjoyed the moment.
“It would be unhealthy to think about the competition and what everyone says. If we came out on that list it’s because they saw us, we qualified and we could stay. I trust that (voters) like what we did and that they let themselves go for the song,” he said in an exclusive interview from Los Angeles.
“Naatu Naatu”, written by Keeravani and co-musicized with Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj, is from the period film RRR, shot in India and directed by SS Rajamouli.
Since its premiere on YouTube, in November 2021, the song became a phenomenon due to the dance scenes between the actors Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao Jr. Now, by adding the figures from various streaming platforms, it has accumulated millions of views. reproductions.
“The choreography is wonderful. I would love to say that I had something to do with it, but no. My work was with the lyrics and music and I enjoyed the creative process. It was all in concert with the director, SS, who has an impeccable track record and It is very well known in India.
“And what can I say about the repercussion? What I want is for you to listen to my songs, but sometimes we think that there is a certain barrier because of the language, and this piece has shown me that it is not true. I love watching the videos (on YouTube ) of many people who have danced it,” said the 61-year-old musician.
Keeravani hails from Andhra Pradesh, located on the east coast of India, and belongs to a family of musicians, conductors and singers. His brother is Kalyani Malik, a very famous performer in his country.
The composer said that he does not know the work of his competitors to reach the final list of Oscar candidates, among them Selena Gomez, Guillermo del Toro, Rita Wilson and David Byrne.
“I don’t know much of the music that is heard now (like reggaeton). I focus a lot on different, regional music, like Chinese, Sri Lankan, Nepali but let me tell you what I really like about (Western) music.
“Year of the Cat, the Al Stewart album, is one of my favorite records of all time. And there are songs in particular that fascinate me: ‘Epilogue (Nothing ‘Bout Me)’ by Sting, and I love Robbie Williams , ‘I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen’; ‘Top of the World’ by The Carpenters, most of the ABBA songs, of course Michael Jackson and a lot of Frank Sinatra,” he said.
