“Na Na”, Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman’s (Slumdog Millionaire) song from “Couples Retreat”, his first venture into mainstream Hollywood, has been shortlisted for nomination in Original Song category for the 82nd Academy Awards.

It will be competing with 62 other such songs from eligible feature-length motion pictures for nomination, which will be announced on February two. To be eligible, a song must consist of words and music, both of which are original and written specifically for the film. A clearly audible, intelligible, substantive rendition of both lyric and melody must be used in the body of the film or as the first music cue in the end credits.

“Na Na” was written by Rahman, Blaaze and Vivian Chaix; and performed by Rahman, Blaaze, Vivian Chaix, A. R. Ameen (Rahman’s son), Clinton and Dominic. Rahman provided “original music” for comedy “Couples Retreat” besides writing and performing two songs: “Na Na” and “Sajna”. Directed by Emmy nominated Peter Billingsley (Dinner for Five), it stars MTV winner Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers), Golden Globe winner Jason Bateman (Arrested Development), Golden Globe nominated Kristin Davis (Sex and the City), etc. It revolves around four couples who go to a tropical-island resort for vacationing.

The 82nd Academy Awards presentation will take place on March seven in Hollywood (California). Launched in 1927 and located in Beverly Hills (California), American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences which gives Oscars is dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures. It has over 6,000 artists and professionals as honorary members (including Rahman) and Tom Sherak (Rent) is its president, while Bruce Davis is the executive director.

Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras'' by Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.