Telangana CM fulfills promise, awards Rs 1 crore to 'Naatu Naatu' singer Rahul Sipligunj

Hyderabad: In a heartwarming gesture, the Telangana government announced that Oscar-winning singer Rahul Sipligunj would receive a Rs 1 crore cash reward during the Old City Bonalu festival celebrations, as a part of fulfilling Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s promise. 

The announcement comes as recognition for Sipligunj's extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Patha Basti (Old City) to global fame through the Grammy and Oscar-winning song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR. "Rahul represents the aspirations of Telangana's youth, having achieved international acclaim through sheer talent and determination," stated CM Revanth Reddy during the Gaddar Awards event.

This fulfills a two-stage commitment made by Reddy when he was Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee(TPCC) president, initially granting Rs 10 lakh assistance and promising Rs 1 crore upon Congress forming government.

The CM had recently reaffirmed this pledge during the Gaddar Awards ceremony, noting that an official announcement would follow soon. The Bonalu festival provided the perfect occasion to celebrate both Telangana's cultural heritage and its contemporary achievers.

Rahul Sipligunj, known for his folk-rooted singing style, has become a cultural ambassador for the state. His Naatu Naatu achievement marked India's first Oscar for Best Original Song earlier this year.