Laapataa Ladies Chosen as India’s Oscar Entry for Capturing ‘Indianness’ and Social Systems

After Laapataa Ladies, the film produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Kiran Rao, was chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars, jury chairman Jahnu Barua shared why it was selected for this prestigious honor.

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has brought India into the spotlight as the country’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards. This comedy-drama, directed by Rao, features young talents like Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Pratibha Ranta, alongside well-known actors such as Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan. After the announcement, Jahnu Barua, the chairman of the jury, explained why the film was selected, emphasizing its portrayal of ‘Indianness’ and social systems.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Barua discussed why Laapataa Ladies stood out among the other contenders. “When we choose a film to represent India, it’s crucial that it reflects our social fabric and cultural ethos. The film’s ‘Indianness’ was a key factor, and Laapataa Ladies embodied that beautifully,” Barua said.

He also mentioned the importance of selecting a film that truly represents India on the global stage. The jury had a pool of 29 films to consider, and after careful review, the 13-member panel unanimously decided that Laapataa Ladies was the best choice to compete in the Best International Film category at the Oscars.

The Film Federation of India officially announced the selection on September 23, 2024, marking an exciting moment for the entire Laapataa Ladies team.

Kiran Rao’s Reaction to the Big News

After hearing the news, director-producer Kiran Rao took to Instagram to express her excitement. She shared a heartfelt message, saying she was “deeply honored and beyond thrilled” that her film was chosen to represent India at the Oscars. Rao also thanked the cast and crew for their incredible effort, noting that their “talent, dedication, and hard work” were key to making the film a success.

Aamir Khan Productions also celebrated the film’s selection, posting on Instagram: “Honored and thrilled that #LaapataaLadies has been chosen as India’s official entry to #Oscars2025.”

Tough Competition for India’s Oscar Entry

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Laapataa Ladies faced stiff competition. Among the films in consideration were Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, Karan Johar’s Kill, and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD. Other strong contenders included Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, and Article 370.

The Story Behind Laapataa Ladies

Laapataa Ladies tells the quirky story of two brides, Phool and Pushpa, who accidentally swap places during a chaotic train journey. Nitanshi Goel plays Phool Kumari, while Sparsh Shrivastava stars as her husband, Deepak Kumar. Pratibha Ranta plays Jaya Tripathi Singh, who assumes the identity of Pushpa Rani. The supporting cast, including Chhaya Kadam as Manu Maai and Ravi Kishan as Sub-Inspector Shyam Manohar, adds depth and humor to the plot.

The Film’s Journey to the Oscars

Laapataa Ladies made its international debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 8, 2023. It was released in Indian theaters on March 1, 2024, and later premiered on Netflix on April 26, 2024. This is Kiran Rao’s second film as a director, following her debut with Dhobi Ghat in 2010, which was co-produced by Aamir Khan.

As Laapataa Ladies gears up for its Oscar journey, it stands as a testament to India’s diverse storytelling and cultural richness. The film’s selection not only honors its creators but also showcases India’s unique perspective on the world stage.