Did you know that the 'Naatu Naatu' song from 'RRR' which struck gold at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards today, has a connection to Ukraine?
'Naatu Naatu' was shot in August 2021 in Ukraine's Kiev outside Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's official residence. The track was filmed a few months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Telugu track 'Naatu Naatu' is composed by veteran music director MM Keeravaani and sung by Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj.
During the promotion of 'RRR' in March 2022, the film's director SS Rajamouli expressed sadness over the Russian-Ukraine war. "We had gone there to shoot some crucial scenes. When we were shooting, I had no idea about the issues that have now escalated into a war. It was only after I returned and looking at things now, did I understand the seriousness of the issue," Rajamouli said.
Meanwhile, Zelensky appeared virtually at the Golden Globe Awards to tell everyone that "there will be no third World War". He highlighted the award show's origins back in 1943, during World War II, and said Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion symbolizes "the struggle for the right of the new generations to know about the war only from movies."
"The First World War claimed millions of lives. The Second World War claimed tens of millions of them. There will be no third World War. It is not a trilogy," Zelensky said, promising that Ukraine "will stop the Russian aggression" with the help of the free world.
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"The war in Ukraine is not over yet, but the tide is turning and it is already clear who will win... We will make it together with the whole free world and I hope that all of you will be with us on the victorious day the day of our victory," Zelensky said.
Zelenskyy was introduced by actor-director Sean Penn, best known for his Academy Award-winning performances in 2003's "Mystic River" and 2008's "Milk."
Zelenskyy's Golden Globes appearance comes one week after the White House committed to sending USD 3.75 billion in military aid to Ukraine and adjacent NATO countries -- the largest assistance package to date from the US amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Last year Zelensky had made a surprise appearance at the Grammys appearing virtually from a bunker.
He continues to speak at public events advocating for his country in its fight against Russia.