Indian singer-composer AR Rahman holds a prestigious position in the Indian film industry and beyond post his two Oscar wins in 2009 for the much-acclaimed film, Slumdog Millionaire.
Being a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) which hosts the ceremony, the Jai Ho crooner is also a regular voter and a keen observer of all the films that qualify and get nominated each year.
As per Hindustan Times, in an interview conducted with musician L Subramaniam, Rahman insisted that Indians are submitting the "wrong" kind of films to the Oscars.
“Sometimes, I see that our movies go till the Oscar and they don’t get it. Wrong movies are being sent for the Oscars. And I am just like, 'Don't do that'. We have to be in another person’s shoes. I have to be in Westerner’s shoes to see what’s happening here. I have to be in my shoes to see what they are doing," he shared.
In 2009, after winning the Best Original Song and the Best Original Score award, Rahman became part of an exclusive club in India. This group also included costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, lyricist Gulzar and sound designer Resul Pookutty for their Oscar trophies. However, with the recent wins, the group's dynamic has changed.
On March 13, 2023, Naatu Naatu from RRR won Best Original Song for composer MM Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose. The Netflix film, The Elephant Whisperers, won Best Documentary Short Film, which was directed by Kartiki Gonsalves. Although Rahman's statement has resurfaced again, he too celebrated his fellows' win.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "As predicted and well deserved. Congratulations to both of you and the RRR team!" adding another tweet for The Elephant Whisperer's creators. "You’ve opened the floodgates of inspiration for Indian filmmakers!" it read.
Congratulations @mmkeeravaani garu and @boselyricist garu ....as predicted and well deserved ..Jaiho to both of you and the #RRR team!! #RRRatOSCARS 😍🌺💕🤲🏼🙏 https://t.co/Q98CfjVLfW
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) March 13, 2023
Congratulations @guneetm and @EarthSpectrum you’ve opened the flood gates of inspiration for indian film makers! Jai ho 🌺😊😍💕🤲🏼🙏 #bosswomen https://t.co/WICYOqMaq6
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) March 13, 2023
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