Thread by @latimes

The #Oscars performance of “Naatu Naatu” — meant to be a celebration of #RRRMovie’s unlikely road to the Academy Awards — left many in the South Asian community disappointed and outraged for failing to showcase any South Asian dancers onstage. lat.ms/3mY2HX6

“The academy let a demographic down,” said Nakul Dev Mahajan, a dance industry veteran. “The truth of the matter is, there are Indian dancers out there. It’s just that the effort wasn’t made.” lat.ms/3mY2HX6

Critics of the number cited the casting of the two non-South Asian lead dancers styled as stand-ins for stars Jr. NTR and Ram Charan’s characters as an example of the challenges that face South Asian performers trying to gain a foothold in the business. lat.ms/3mY2HX6

South Asian dancers say the film’s message was diluted at the #Oscars, where U.S. choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo adapted Prem Rakshith’s original choreography for the telecast. lat.ms/3mY2HX6

“It’s hard to say no to something like this,” said Chase Constantino, an L.A.-based Indian Canadian choreographer, dancer and actor. “But I think it lies in the leaders of our community, and they need to do better so that they set the standard.” lat.ms/3mY2HX6

A source close to the film says in part due to visa issues, the original “Naatu Naatu” choreographer sent instructional videos to U.S. choreographers and dancers but was not involved in either the selection of Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo as choreographers. lat.ms/3mY2HX6

The source adds that the original “Naatu Naatu” choreographer was not involved in the casting of dancers and did not see the performers or performance until arriving in Los Angeles for #Oscars dress rehearsals. lat.ms/3mY2HX6

The motion picture academy declined to comment.

Learn more about why after a milestone night for Asian and Asian American inclusion, one community is still feeling the sting of being left out. lat.ms/3mY2HX6