The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony was a night full of surprises, but not all of them were pleasant. One of the most talked-about moments of the event was the performance of “Naatu Naatu” from the Indian movie, “Soorarai Pottru,” which sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Several viewers accused the Oscars of cultural appropriation and insensitivity, claiming that the performance did not do justice to the rich culture and tradition of India. In this article, we will take a closer look at why the Oscars are facing ongoing criticism for their handling of this performance and what this means for the future of cultural representation in western media.
The 95th Academy Awards, which aired a week ago, are still being criticized for their handling and casting of the much-anticipated performance of hit song “Naat-u Naat-u” from the international film sensation RRR. The performance has come under fire for including exactly zero dancers of South Asian descent, despite coming from a film by Indian filmmakers, about Indian history, and informed heavily by the styles of Indian music.
Oscars producers actually approached the film’s stars, N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan, to reprise their high-energy dance battle from the 2022 film. But both men declined, apparently uncomfortable with the short window of time they’d have to master the Oscars version of the dance. So instead, choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon D’uomo (a.k.a. NappyTabs) reportedly hired dancers they were familiar with to perform the piece, including Lebanese Canadian dancer Billy Mustapha and American dancer Jason Glover to stand in for the RRR stars.
Critics, including choreographer Joya Kazi, are still calling out the Oscars for ignoring the opportunity to feature more South Asian performers on such a massive stage. Meanwhile, dancer Achinta S. McDaniel didn’t mince words, telling Variety, “Some people say, ‘Just be happy with what we got,’ and that’s part of [the problem] — this idea of just accepting the scraps that are thrown to you. Just be happy an Indian song was nominated [and won]. Don’t be mad about the overwhelming racism that appeared in the performance.”
Several critics also drew contrasts between the “Naatu Naatu” performance and the performance of “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire at the 2009 Oscars, which featured “Indian singers, and it was a multi-racial group of dancers and musicians.”
So far, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has yet to issue an official statement in response to the critiques.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Oscars is not new. In recent years, the Academy has been criticized for a lack of diversity in nominations and awards. While the Academy has made some efforts to diversify its members and leadership, it still has a long way to go in promoting equity and inclusion in the film industry.
This controversy also highlights the need for more representation of South Asians in the entertainment industry. South Asians have been historically underrepresented on screen and behind the scenes, and there is a need for greater inclusivity and diversity in casting, writing, and directing.
Recent hits like RRR and Squid Game have shown that there is an appetite for diverse storytelling and representation on a global scale. However, true progress will require sustained efforts to break down barriers and promote opportunities for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the “Naatu Naatu” performance at the Oscars casts a light on the ongoing issues of diversity and representation in the film industry. It serves as a reminder that there is still much work needed to be done to promote equity and inclusivity for all. We hope that the Academy will respond to the critiques and take concrete steps to address these issues moving forward.
In conclusion, the Oscars have faced significant backlash over their decision to feature a questionable performance of the popular Tamil song “Naatu Naatu” during the ceremony. Many viewers were offended by the caricature-like portrayal of South Asian culture and the lack of representation for actual South Asian performers.
While the Academy has issued an apology for the insensitivity displayed during the performance, it remains to be seen whether they will take the necessary steps to address the larger issue of diversity and representation within the industry. It is important for us, as consumers of media and entertainment, to hold companies accountable and demand inclusivity and diversity in all forms of art. Only then can we truly celebrate the beauty and richness of all cultures.
