Rahul Sipligunj recently shared the details of his meeting with Rihanna, which took place after his song Naatu Naatu won an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards. While composer MM Keeravaani and lyricist Chandrabose received the award, Rahul and Kaala Bhairava performed the Telugu song on the Oscar stage, alongside other nominees, including Rihanna.
In an interview with Indian Express, Rahul shared his excitement and gratitude for being able to perform on such a global stage. He said, “I had never even dreamt of performing at the Oscars. It was such an incredible experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
Rahul Sipligunj also described Rihanna as a humble and beautiful person, sharing a photo of the two of them on Instagram a few days after the ceremony. In the caption, he wrote, “Wooow I have met the most amazing lady with a very beautiful heart. Still in shock by seeing your humbleness #rihana @badgalriri and how down to earth you are! Thank you so much for calling and appreciating for the performance and #oscarwinning. It’s an emotional moment for me!! Can’t keep calm #mydreamcometrue.”
Shy Rahul Sipligunj thrilled meeting Rihanna at the Oscars Event
Speaking about the meeting, Rahul Sipligunj recalled how he and Kaala were initially too shy to ask Rihanna for a photo, but the singer initiated the conversation after observing their hesitation. Rahul said, “Our green rooms were next to each other and we were going back to our green room and she was coming out of hers. When we were walking towards her, me and Kaala Bhairava were discussing that we want to take a picture. She was observing that these two guys wanted to take a picture but were too shy to ask for it.”
He continued, “Then she came forward and appreciated us and clicked pictures with us. She was so humble and a beautiful lady with a beautiful heart. She said, ‘Guys, you performed really well and congratulations for winning an Oscar for Naatu Naatu’.”
Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala had rehearsed Naatu Naatu for four days in order to be able to perform on the global stage. Actor Deepika Padukone had introduced the song on stage as she attended the ceremony as a presenter for the 95th edition. Rahul expressed his gratitude towards Deepika as well, saying, “She was so sweet and supportive. It was a pleasure to meet her and have her introduce our song on such a big stage.”