Singer Rahul Sipligunj, who performed the history-making, now-global hit Naatu Naatu (RRR, 2022) along with singer Kaala Bhairava at the 2023 Oscars, feels “extremely grateful” for the opportunity. “To be at the Dolby Theatre and perform on that stage was a dream come true,” he exclaims. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, beating out Rihanna and Lady Gaga. 

Sipligunj, 33, won the third season of Telugu Bigg Boss and then went on to make songs on his own. But he says that Naatu Naatu is what changed his life: “Credit goes to M M Keeravani sir and S S Rajamouli sir. Also, the song is viral because of the two superstars, Ram Charan and Jr NTR, and the hook step. It wouldn’t have been possible with just one person.”

When asked about the absence of the two actors on stage during the act, Sipligunj says, “If they had appeared on stage, it would have been a big blast! But I don’t know what happened.” 

Ask him about meeting singer Rihanna, who had a green room next to theirs, and he shares, “She heard us (Bhairava and I) as we were talking about how we needed a picture with her. Then she approached us and congratulated us. She was so humble and so beautiful.”