Music composer MM Keeravani has been conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India. The announcement comes just a day after the music composer's 'Naatu Naatu' from RRR, earned a nomination at the 95th Academy Awards. It is also the first Indian song to achieve this feat.
Reacting to the awards, Keeravani tweeted, "Much honoured by the civilian award from the Govt of India. Respect for my parents and all of my mentors from Kavitapu Seethanna garu to Kuppala Bulliswamy Naidu garu on this occasion."
Among the Padma Award recipients are actor Raveena Tandon, who was conferred with Padma Shri, while Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and veteran singer Vani Jairam were honoured with the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, respectively.
Keeravani's 'Naatu Naatu' also made history earlier this month by becoming the first Asian song to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Keeravani won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for Annamayya in 1997. His upcoming projects include Hari Hara Veera Mallu in Telugu and Chandramukhi 2 in Tamil.