EntertainmentPosted at: Jul 18 2026 12:46AM


Three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej's melodies take 'Wild Tamil Nadu' to Green Oscars

Mumbai, July 17 (UNI) Three-time Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej has added another international honour to his career after the wildlife documentary "Wild Tamil Nadu", featuring his original score, secured a nomination in the Sustainability Award category at the Wildscreen Panda Awards 2026, widely regarded as the "Green Oscars" of wildlife filmmaking.
The Wildscreen Panda Awards, often referred to as the "Green Oscars," recognise films that leave a lasting impression on audiences with outstanding cinematography, sound, music, and a powerful conservation message. This year, "Wild Tamil Nadu" has been nominated alongside several other prestigious wildlife films from around the world.
Directed by renowned wildlife filmmaker Kalyan Varma and narrated by actor Arvind Swamy, the documentary takes viewers on a journey through the diverse natural landscapes of Tamil Nadu. Set amidst pristine forests, mist-shrouded mountains, mangroves, grasslands, and beaches, the film showcases the behavior of rare wildlife and highlights the deep connection between nature and culture. The film is produced as part of Sundaram Fasteners Limited's CSR initiative, in collaboration with Nature InFocus, and with the support of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
The highlight of this documentary is Kej's 34-track original score, inspired by ancient Sangam literature. This music not only accompanies the visuals but also brings to life the literary and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. A beautifully composed score with orchestral and traditional local music, it captures the state's biodiversity, natural beauty, and emotional depth.
For the 44-year-old composer, who combines music with the environment, this nomination recognises his long journey of spreading the message of conservation and nature through music. From "Wild Karnataka" to "Wild Tamil Nadu," he has become a distinctive musical icon of Indian wildlife films. His music enhances the stories, yet never overpowers them.
Kej is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and has been spreading the message of sustainable development and environmental protection through music for many years.
This week, he represented the United Nations at the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists Exchange event in Inner Mongolia, China, calling for increased global cooperation to address land restoration and climate change.
Commenting on this achievement, Kej said, “'Wild Tamil Nadu' was a passion project for all of us. Composing the music for this film required me to completely immerse myself in the amazing cultural heritage and nature of Tamil Nadu. The film's recognition at the Wildscreen Panda Awards is a proud moment not only for our team but also for Indian wildlife films.
Wildlife films teach people to love even places they may never visit. As a composer, I always strive to deepen that emotional connection between humans and nature. 'Wild Tamil Nadu' is a celebration of one of India's richest natural ecosystems, and I am delighted that my music could be a part of this film's journey. It is a very humble and proud moment for me to receive this recognition at the Wildscreen Panda Awards among the world's best wildlife films.”
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