Telangana CM fulfils ₹1 crore promise to 'Naatu Naatu' singer Rahul Sipligunj

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced a cash prize of ₹1 crore for singer Rahul Sipligunj, who gained international fame for performing the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu from the film RRR.

The announcement was made on Sunday during the Bonalu festival celebrations in the old city of Hyderabad, fulfilling a promise Revanth Reddy had made prior to coming to power.

Rahul Sipligunj, a native of Hyderabad’s old city, was praised by the Chief Minister for achieving global recognition through sheer hard work and talent. Revanth Reddy described him as a role model for the youth of Telangana.

Back in May 2023, while serving as the president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Party, Revanth Reddy had announced a ₹10 lakh reward for Sipligunj and pledged to honor him with ₹1 crore once the Congress came to power in the state. He reiterated this commitment last month during the Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, assuring the singer and the public that the promise would soon be fulfilled.

The song Naatu Naatu, composed by MM Keeravaani with lyrics by Chandrabose, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 95th Oscars, a first for an Indian feature film. The track was sung by Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, both of whom also performed it live at the ceremony, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

Meanwhile, actor Dulquer Salmaan, producer Swapna Dutt, and others met with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy at his residence on Sunday. The Chief Minister greeted the actor with a shawl and bouquet during the courtesy visit.