'Naatu Naatu', the electrifying dance number from the SS Rajamouli film 'RRR', and documentary short 'The Elephant Whisperers', made Oscar history for India on Monday, winning Academy Awards in their respective categories.
For the first time, two Indian productions bagged the Oscars this year, giving way to celebrations around the country. However, amidst all the love, appreciation and applause coming their way, Jacqueline Fernandez's makeup artist and close friend Shaan Muttathil, seemingly took a jibe at the winners and alleged that the award could be bought.
Taking to the comment section of an Instagram post that announced Naatu Naatu’s historic win, Shaan wrote, "Hahahah this is so funny. I thought only in India we could buy awards lol. But now even the Oscars. Money and what all we can get when we have the money. Even Oscars lol."
It must be noted that the song 'Applause' from the Jacqueline starrer 'Tell It Like a Woman' was also contending for the Oscar in the Best Original Song category. Netizens slammed Shaan, alleging the tirade was nothing more than a case of 'sour grapes', while another user commented, "Jealousy at its peak".
The other tracks contending in the same category included Lady Gaga's 'Hold My Hand' from 'Top Gun: Maverick', Rihanna's 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' and Son Lux, Mitski, David Byrne's 'This Is A Life' from Everything Everywhere All at Once.
MM Keeravani and Chandrabose's 'Naatu Naatu' from 'RRR' beat out the competition to win the prestigious award and made the entire country proud.