Lauren Gottlieb addresses lack of representation in Naatu Naatu performance at Oscars: ‘The conversation being had is important’

Netizens have pointed out that there were no Indian dancers among the 20 dancers performing Naatu Naatu on the Oscar stage

RRR's Naatu Naatu won an Oscar in the Best Original Song category. (Photo: Lauren Gottlieb/Instagram)

American actor-dancer Lauren Gottlieb, who, along with other dancers, received a standing ovation for their performance of the RRR song “Naatu Naatu” at the 95th Academy Awards, has addressed the song’s casting (predominantly featuring American dancers) for the Oscar ceremony. She also apologised for calling “Naatu Naatu” a Bollywood song in a now-deleted social media post.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Lauren said that the Oscar night was something she will never forget. The actor also mentioned “Naatu Naatu” choreographer Prem Rakshith and said, “Hearing you say our act was living up to the original song was the blessing I needed to perform.”

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A post shared by Lauren Gottlieb (@laurengottlieb)

Netizens have pointed out that there were no Indian dancers among the 20 dancers performing “Naatu Naatu” on the Oscar stage. Lauren addressed the issue and said, “I’ve heard and empathise with what people are saying about casting. The conversation being had is important. Although I’m not a part of casting, I will be more vigilant and speak up.”

She added, “Please forgive my mistake of saying Bollywood. Of course, I know it’s Tollywood. Tollywood songs hit different and the industry deserves all the recognition.”

Here’s the energetic performance of “Naatu Naatu” from #RRR at the #Oscars. https://t.co/ndiKiHeOT5 pic.twitter.com/Lf2nP826c4

— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023

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RRR’s “Naatu Naatu” won an Oscar in the Best Original Song category. Music composer MM Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose accepted the award. Keeravaani also delivered a heartfelt speech. “I grew up listening to the Carpenters and now here I am with the Oscars,” he said and then broke into a parody of The Carpenters song “On Top of the World”: “There was only one wish on my mind, so was Rajamouli’s and my family’s, RRR has to win, pride of every Indian and must put me on top of the world.”

“Naatu Naatu” was crooned by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava. The song became a global phenomenon and a frontrunner in the awards season after a successful campaign by director SS Rajamouli.

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