Richard Carpenter congratulates Keeravani

Richard Carpenter, who formed half of the sibling duo – The Carpenters – alongside his younger sister Karen, has shared a tweaked rendition of ‘Top of the World’ on his official ‘Instagram’ account, congratulating Keeravani and ‘Naatu Naatu’ lyricist Chandrabose on their Oscar win.

“We are on the top of the world for your winning creation and we hope you know how proud of you we are. You are the best there is around and we hope you know it now your win puts us at the top of the world. Congratulations!” the American vocalist sang on the piano, with two other singers, on Instagram 

“To MM Keeravani and Chandrabose: Heartfelt congratulations on your win for ‘best original song’. Here is a little something from our family to you and yours,” Richard Carpenter captioned the video clip.

The Indian composer was in tears when he watched the video.

‘RRR’’s director SS Rajamouli, who is also a cousin of Keeravani, gushed on social media: “Sir, throughout this Oscar campaign my brother maintained a calm composure. Whether it is before or after he didn’t let his emotions out. But the moment he saw this, he couldn’t control the tears rolling down his cheeks. Most memorable moment for our family. Thank you so much.” 

Elated Keeravani responded to his idol: “This is something I didn’t expect at all. Tears rolling out of joy. Most wonderful gift from the universe.”

“I grew up listening to The Carpenters and now here I am with the Oscars. There was only one wish on my mind, so was Rajamouli’s and our families’ – ‘RRR’ has to win. Pride of every Indian must put me on the top of the world,” Keeravani had said in tune to The Carpenters’ much loved 1970s song ‘Top of the World’ in his speech as he accepted the Academy Award this week, for ‘best original song’ winner ‘Naatu Naatu’ – a foot-tapping Telugu track.

‘Naatu Naatu’ is the fourth non-English song and the first song in a foreign language after ‘Jai Ho’ in 2009, to win an Oscar in the category.

(Picture Credit: Instagram)