‘Laapataa Ladies’ makes the cut for India’s Oscar 2025 entry
“This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life,” says Kiran Rao.
By : Puja Talwar
Update: 2024-09-23 19:20 GMT
Kiran Rao’s poignant Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official submission to the Oscars 2025.
The announcement was made by the jury of the Film Federation of India (FFI), led by Assamese Filmmaker Jahnu Barua. The citation said, “Well-defined and powerful characters in one world — Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) is a film that can engage, entertain and make sense not just to women in India but universally as well.”
Released in March this year, the film marked Kiran Rao’s directorial comeback 13 years after her last, Dhobi Ghat. The story of two brides who get switched on a train ride, the film stars virtually unknown actors like Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel. Co-produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kiran Rao’s Kindling Productions, the movie won critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling.
Expressing her happiness over the nomination, Kiran Rao said, “I am deeply honoured and delighted that our film Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India.”
Laapataa Ladies was part of a list of 29 films chosen as prospective submissions to the Academy Awards. The list included Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light.
India was last nominated for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards for Lagaan (2001).
"I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India.” — Kiran Rao