Jr NTR reacts to FIFA's Naatu Naatu-inspired birthday post for Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Carlitos Tevez

On February 5, 2025, the official FIFA World Cup Instagram account celebrated the birthdays of football legends Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Carlos Tevez with a creative post that delighted fans worldwide. The post featured a caricature of the three footballers performing the iconic "Naatu Naatu" dance from the Indian film "RRR," accompanied by the caption, "Mood when it's your birthday." Notably, the initials of the players—Neymar, Tevez, and Ronaldo—spell out "NTR," a clever nod to the film's star, Jr NTR

Jr NTR, who gained international acclaim for his role in "RRR," responded to the post with enthusiasm. He commented, "Haha… Happy birthday Neymar… Tevez… Ronaldo…" acknowledging both the footballers' birthdays and the creative reference to his work.

"Naatu Naatu," composed by MM Keeravaani with lyrics by Chandrabose, features Jr NTR and Ram Charan performing energetic dance moves choreographed by Prem Rakshit. The song achieved global recognition, winning the Oscar for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe, marking a significant milestone for Indian cinema.

This interaction between FIFA and Jr NTR highlights the growing influence of Indian cinema on global platforms and the universal appeal of "RRR." Fans celebrated this unique crossover, expressing excitement over the blend of football and film cultures.

Jr NTR continues to build on his success with upcoming projects, including his Bollywood debut in "War 2" alongside Hrithik Roshan, directed by Ayan Mukerji, and a collaboration with "KGF" director Prashanth Neel in "NTR 31."

The fusion of sports and entertainment in FIFA's post, coupled with Jr NTR's response, underscores the power of creative storytelling in bringing diverse cultures together.