Rahman became interested in M.I.A. after listening to her debut album Arular, and upon meeting Rahman in the recording sessions of her follow-up album, the singer said she was a big fan of his work.[1] Director Danny Boyle suggested M.I.A. work with Rahman on a piece for the score of the film,[2] and even though she had announced a retirement earlier at Bonnaroo Festival, she said the offer could not be refused.[3] Rahman was halfway through his score when M.I.A. met him in London, and both eventually shared initial ideas.[4] The song was then composed through continuous e-mailing between Rahman in India and M.I.A. in England,[5] and once he recorded his parts, M.I.A. contributed her vocals from New York, where she had moved.[4] According to the digital music sheet published at musicnotes.com, the song is written in the key of B minor, with a moderately fast tempo.[6]
The song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards,[7] but eventually lost to the song "Jai Ho", also from Slumdog Millionaire. M.I.A. said the nomination was an honor, stating "Maybe I can afford to book Dave Chappelle at the baby shower now."[8] At the awards ceremony, the song was performed by Rahman, surrounded by dancers and taiko drums.[9] M.I.A. expressed interest in performing, even though she had just given birth, but ultimately declined once she learned only the performance would last for only one minute.[10]
