The 95th edition of the world's most famous film awards aka the Academy Awards or the Oscars are upon us, and India will be represented by presenter Deepika Padukone (Bollywood actor), performers Rahul Silpigunj, Kaala Bhairava (playback singers) and nominees M. M. Keeravani (music composer), Chandrabose (lyricist) among others. In the lead up to the 2023 Oscar ceremony which will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on March 13 from 5:30 AM [IST], the Academy has been sharing throwbacks related to the nominees this year. 

A.R. Rahman (@arrahman) reflects on winning the Oscar for Best Original Song and Score for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ at the 81st #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/Hry5GmTBzK

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 2, 2023

Naatu Naatu, the hit Telugu number from the S.S. Rajamouli directed RRR is up for Best Original Song, and in lieu of the same, the Academy sat with the now-member AR Rahman for a nostalgic throwback. A.R. Rahman is the third Indian national to win an Oscar, and the only Indian national to win two and in the same year. Looking back at this milestone event for not just him but the whole of the country, AR Rahman shared a few anectodes about that night. 

AR Rahman with his two Oscars from February 22, 2009

Among those was how AR Rahman was inspired by Penelope Cruz at the 81st Oscars night 14 years ago. Cruz had won best supporting actress for her role in the Woody Allen directed Anglo-Spanish film Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008). She closed her winning speech by saying a few lines in Spanish, and Rahman admits he found that 'cool'. This made Rahman improvise his own speech and add the iconic 'Ella Pugazhum Iraivanuke' in Tamil. 

Penelope Cruz at the 81st Oscars, 2009

A.R. Rahman also confirmed what has been long speculated about the line; It is indeed the Tamil version of a quote from Islam's holy book Quran, and translates to 'All perfect praise belongs to God alone'.