Golden Globes 2023: An overwhelmed MM Keeravani delivers heartwarming acceptance speech

It was a celebratory start for India, especially for Telugu cinema on Wednesday, when RRR's popular dance number, 'Naatu Naatu' bagged the Golden Globe in the Best Original Song category. Composed by MM Keeravani, beat other nominees which included Taylor Swift’s Carolina from Where the Crawdads Sing, 'Ciao Papa' from Pinocchio, Lady Gaga’s 'Hold My Hand' from Top Gun: Maverick, and Rihanna's 'Lift Me Up' from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Keeravani, who seemed to be visibly overwhelmed and was cheered by his RRR team, including Rajamouli, Jr NTR and Ram Charan, took a few moments before he began with the acceptance speech. “Thank you very much HFPA for this prestigious award. I am very much overwhelmed with this great moment happening,” Keeravani began his speech.

The composer also added that he is excited to share the award with his wife, who was also present during the ceremony. “It is an age-old practise to say that this award actually belongs to someone else, not me. I was planning to not tell those words when I get the award, but I am sorry to say I am going to repeat the tradition because I mean my words.”

Keeravani said that in “order of priority” that the award belongs to his “brother and director” Rajamouli for his vision and trust in his work, and Prem Rakshith Indian choreographer who animated the Naatu Naatu song. “Kaala Bhairava who gave the wonderful arrangement for the song, Chandrabose for his wonderful words as lyricist…” Keeravani said while also extending his thanks to Ram Charan and Jr NTR who danced vigourously for the song.

Keeravani ended his speech by again thanking his wife, this time by taking her name, as he concluded, “Thank you Srivalli, thank you Valli.”