Mumbai: Three-time Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej has added another significant international recognition to his distinguished career. Wild Tamil Nadu, the acclaimed wildlife documentary featuring his original musical score, has been nominated in the Sustainability Award category at the Wildscreen Panda Awards 2026, one of the world’s most respected honours in wildlife and natural history filmmaking.
Often referred to as the “Green Oscars,” the Wildscreen Panda Awards celebrate excellence in wildlife cinema, recognising productions that combine outstanding storytelling with exceptional cinematography, sound, music and conservation impact. The nomination places Wild Tamil Nadu among an elite selection of globally acclaimed environmental documentaries.
Directed by renowned wildlife filmmaker Kalyan Varma and narrated by actor Arvind Swamy, the documentary explores Tamil Nadu’s remarkable ecological diversity—from ancient forests and mist-covered mountains to mangroves, grasslands and coastal ecosystems. The film showcases rarely documented wildlife while highlighting the deep cultural and ecological connections that define the state. It has been produced under the CSR initiative of Sundram Fasteners Ltd. in association with Nature inFocus, with support from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
A defining feature of the documentary is Ricky Kej’s expansive 34-track original score, inspired by the timeless verses of ancient Sangam literature. Blending orchestral compositions with indigenous musical traditions, the soundtrack reflects Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural heritage while complementing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity.
The nomination marks another milestone in Kej’s long-standing commitment to environmental storytelling through music. Following acclaimed work on projects such as Wild Karnataka, he has established himself as one of India’s foremost composers in the wildlife documentary genre, creating scores that deepen audiences’ emotional connection with nature.
Beyond his work in music, Kej serves as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Goodwill Ambassador, advocating globally for sustainability, land restoration and climate resilience. He recently represented the United Nations at the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists Exchange Event in Inner Mongolia, China, where he highlighted the importance of international collaboration to address environmental challenges.
Expressing his gratitude, Kej said, “Wild Tamil Nadu was truly a labour of love for everyone involved. Composing its score allowed me to immerse myself in the state’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage. This recognition from the Wildscreen Panda Awards is not only a proud moment for our team but also for Indian wildlife storytelling on the global stage. Wildlife films have the unique ability to inspire people to care for places they may never visit, and music plays an important role in strengthening that emotional bond between people and nature. It is an honour to see our work recognised alongside some of the world’s finest wildlife productions.”
