In the midst of our conversation, Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Savan Kotecha says the Academy Awards’ team has been treating his property like a “war-zone”. “There’s a media tent, a satellite truck and security people all over,” he says, his delight evident behind his feigned complaint. 

Kotecha finds himself contending for the Best Original Song title for Husavik, the power-ballad that culminated Netflix’s Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Kotecha, who was working on Charlie’s Angels when a friend called to inquire if he knew “anyone who would be interested in the project”, practically grabbed the opportunity. Better known for his work in America, where he has worked on creating chart-busters like Love me like you do, Obvious (Westlife) and DJ got us falling in love, apart from playing a vital role in the making of One Direction, Kotecha was, however, familiar with the demands of Eurovision, owing to his time spent in Sweden.