Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, and SS Rajamouli increased Oscars producers' wealth by $75,000

The "RRR" crew, under the direction of director S.S. Rajamouli, basked in the glory of the moment when "Naatu Naatu" won the Oscar, becoming the first Indian and Asian song to win the prized accolade. Yet it now seems to have cost a lot of money.

As nominees, singers Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, who performed on stage, as well as lyricist Chandrabose, who also received free seating at their assigned table. However, other members of the "RRR" team present at the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 13 had to purchase tickets in order to attend the ceremony. The tickets cost $25,000 (about Rs 20.6 lakh) each.

Together with Keeravani, Chandrabose, and the vocalists, Rajamouli was there for the momentous occasion with his wife Rama, son Karthikeya and daughter-in-law, NTR Jr. without his wife Pranathi, Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni, and choreographer Prem Rakshith.

Indian supporters, who were already displeased that Rajamouli and others were sitting in the back, near to the exit during the event, were shocked to learn that the "RRR" crew members had to purchase tickets for the 95th Academy Awards. They vented their frustration on social media.

The on-stage performance of the song at the event without any dancer of Indian heritage has also stirred a controversy, despite the fact that the viral heel-tapping hit made history by winning the coveted prize.

Although Napoleon and Tabitha adopted Rakshith's original choreography, dancers of South Asian heritage were angry that Billy Mustapha and Jason Glover, both Americans but not of South Asian ethnicity, had replaced Junior NTR and Ram Charan.

Ram Charan and Junior NTR were scheduled to perform live on stage, however they apparently cancelled for a variety of reasons. They were uncomfortable doing the dance again on stage. According to some stories, this was caused by the performers' other professional obligations and the little amount of time they had to practise.

'Naatu Naatu' won the coveted award beating 'Applause' from 'Tell It Like a Woman' (from the segment 'Sharing A Ride' by Leela Yadav), which, incidentally, featured Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandes; Lady Gaga's 'Hold My Hand' ('Top Gun: Maverick'), Rihanna's 'Lift Me Up' ('Black Panther: Wakanda Forever') and 'This Is A Life' by Son Lux, Mitski and David Byrne ('Everything Everywhere All at Once').