Canadian dancer recalls electrifying Oscars performance of Naatu Naatu

When Billy Mustapha took the stage Sunday night at the 95th Academy Awards, he never expected the performance would end with a standing ovation.

“Especially from an audience of Oscar Award winners,” the Canadian dancer recalls, of the moment when attendees at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles took to their feet to applaud the energetic performance to RRR’s hit song “Naatu Naatu.”

The Telugu-language song from composer M.M. Keeravaani and musician Chandrabose is the first song from an Indian film to be nominated for — and win — an Oscar for Best Original Song.

“I will never forget the triumphant feeling of hearing the crowd roar and seeing them all rise,” Mustapha says. “I am so grateful that I got to experience that.”

Since the performance, Mustapha — who was previously based in Vancouver but now calls Calgary home — says he’s been overwhelmed by messages of appreciation and support.