Introduction
The vibrant Bonalu festival in Telangana took on added significance in 2025 as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy honored Hyderabad singer Rahul Sipligunj with a ₹1 crore cash reward. Recognized for his global fame from the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu in RRR, Sipligunj’s achievement has made him a pride of Telangana. This article delves into the heartwarming moment during the Bonalu celebrations, where the Telangana government celebrated its homegrown talent, highlighting Sipligunj’s journey and the cultural importance of the festival.
Rahul Sipligunj’s ₹1 Crore Reward at Bonalu 2025
On July 20, 2025, during the Bonalu festival in Hyderabad’s Old City, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy presented a ₹1 crore cheque to Rahul Sipligunj, fulfilling a promise made in May 2023 when Reddy was the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president. The award recognizes Sipligunj’s contribution to Naatu Naatu, the first Telugu song to win an Oscar for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards in March 2023. Reddy praised Sipligunj as an inspiration for Telangana’s youth, citing his self-made success from the streets of Hyderabad’s Old City to international acclaim. The announcement, made amid the festive fervor of Bonalu, underscores the state’s commitment to honoring local talent.
A Nod to Telangana’s Cultural Pride
The Bonalu festival, celebrated annually in July/August during Ashada Masam, is a time of devotion to Goddess Mahakali, with women offering Bonam (meals) in decorated pots at temples like Lal Darwaza and Ujjaini Mahakali. This year, the festival became a platform to celebrate Rahul Sipligunj’s global achievement. The Naatu Naatu song, composed by MM Keeravani with lyrics by Chandrabose and sung by Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava, became a cultural phenomenon, earning a standing ovation at the Oscars. Reddy’s gesture, announced during the Gaddar Film Awards and fulfilled at Bonalu, highlights Telangana’s support for artists who elevate its cultural identity.
Rahul Sipligunj: A Self-Made Telugu Superstar
Hailing from Hyderabad’s Old City, Rahul Sipligunj’s rise to fame is a testament to hard work and talent. His high-energy rendition of Naatu Naatu in RRR, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, brought global recognition to Telugu cinema. The song’s infectious choreography by Prem Rakshith and multilingual releases (Naacho Naacho in Hindi, Karinthol in Malayalam) made it a worldwide hit. Sipligunj’s performance at the 2023 Academy Awards alongside Kaala Bhairava cemented his status as a Telugu superstar, inspiring countless young artists. Expressing gratitude, Sipligunj said, “This support from the Telangana government means a lot—not just to me, but to every young dreamer from this land”.
Why This Matters
- Cultural Recognition: The ₹1 crore award during Bonalu 2025 reflects Telangana’s pride in its artists and their global impact.
- Inspiration for Youth: CM Reddy lauded Sipligunj as a role model, encouraging young Telanganites to pursue their dreams with dedication.
- Fulfilling Promises: Reddy’s commitment, reiterated at the Gaddar Film Awards, shows the government’s accountability to its pledges.
Conclusion
The Telangana Bonalu 2025 celebrations were elevated by the heartfelt recognition of Rahul Sipligunj, a Telugu superstar whose Naatu Naatu brought an Oscar to India. The ₹1 crore award, presented by CM Revanth Reddy, celebrates Sipligunj’s journey from Hyderabad’s Old City to global stardom. As Bonalu continues to unite communities in devotion, this moment highlights Telangana’s commitment to honoring its cultural icons. Rahul Sipligunj’s story inspires us all to dream big and persevere, making him a true ambassador of Telugu pride.
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