RRR At Oscars 2023: Jr NTR Explains Why There Was A Tiger On His Jacket

RRR has cemented its name as one of the most popular and important films in Indian history with its win at the 95th Academy Awards. The SS Rajamouli directorial won the Oscar in the Best Original Song category for the track Naatu Naatu. Needless to say, all eyes are on the team of the film and its two leading men, Ram Charan and Jr NTR who mesmerised the world with their dance moves. That’s not all. The actors even made a statement on the Oscars red carpet with their dapper looks. A case in point is Jr NTR’s stylish all-black outfit. In particular, the gold tiger motif on his shoulder caught the attention of fans worldwide.

Even on the red carpet, the host asked Jr NTR to share the story behind the tiger. To this, he said, “I mean, haven’t you seen that in RRR? Jumped out at me,” referring to the iconic interval sequence of the film. The actor added, “I am wearing Gaurav Gupta. He is one of our amazing designers, a good friend of mine. So, he felt you know, when we discussed that, it is not going to be us walking the carpet. It’s India. So that’s why I am in my Indian attire. Tiger being the national animal of India.”

On being complimented for the cultural significance of RRR and the representation it offers to the South Asian community, Jr NTR shared, “I feel great. Surreal, ecstatic. I have always been seeing the [Oscar] carpet on TV. But guess what; I walked that carpet. I’m walking the carpet. It feels amazing.”

Meanwhile, following Naatu Naatu’s Oscar win, Jr NTR expressed his joy at the historic achievement. He said, “I cannot find the words to express my elation right now. This is not just a win for RRR but for India as a country. I believe this is just the beginning. Showing us how far Indian cinema can go. Congratulations to MM Keeravaani garu and Chandrabose garu. Of course, none of this would have been possible without a master storyteller called SS Rajamouli and the audiences who showered us with all the love. I would also like to congratulate the team of The Elephant Whisperers on their win today bringing another Oscar to India.” The Elephant Whisperers emerged as the winner in the Best Documentary Short Subject category.

Jr NTR even posed with the Oscar trophy and congratulated the team. In the caption, he said:  “And, we did it… #Oscars95 #NaatuNaatu #RRRMovie Congratulations @mmkunbranded Sir ji, Jakkanna @ssrajamouli , @boselyricist garu, the entire team and the nation.”

RRR, set in British India, is a fictitious take on the lives of two legendary Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. While Ram Charan plays Sitarama Raju, Jr NTR plays Bheem in the SS Rajamouli directorial.