Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Is India’s Oscar Entry, Aamir Thrilled

MUMBAI, (ANI) – All eyes are on Kiran Rao’s latest directorial venture Laapataa Ladies, after the Film Federation of India announced the film as the country’s official entry in the Best Foreign Film category for the 2025 Oscars on September 23. The film, which explores the societal expectations and aspirations of women, has garnered widespread acclaim for its unique storyline and introduction of new talent.

In response to the announcement, Kiran Rao expressed her immense gratitude, highlighting how unexpected yet rewarding this recognition is. “I am very happy. I was not expecting an Oscar entry as many good films have been made this year. Now, we will have a chance to show this film to a much larger audience. I would like to thank the audience for giving so much love to this film. I think there is something for everyone in this film,” she shared.

While she is excited about the opportunity to showcase Laapataa Ladies to a global audience, Rao acknowledges the challenges ahead. “The film was made on the issues, expectations, and aspirations of women. When such a film becomes the country’s official entry to the Oscars, it is very encouraging. I think this signals that we are moving in the right direction to address many of the problems faced by women today,” she emphasized. “The journey to the Oscars is not going to be easy, but we will give it our all.”

The film, produced under the banners of Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios, was released in theaters on March 1. It stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam, and takes viewers back to rural India in 2001, where two brides are accidentally swapped during a train journey. Their husbands’ desperate search for the correct brides sets the stage for a narrative filled with unexpected twists.

Aamir Khan shared in the joy, congratulating his former wife and director Kiran Rao. “We are all so happy with the news. I am so proud of Kiran and her entire team. I would like to thank the selection committee of the Film Federation of India, which chose our film to represent India at the Oscars,” Aamir said in a statement. “My heartfelt gratitude to our audience, our media, and the entire film fraternity for all the love and support they have given Laapataa Ladies. Here’s hoping that Laapataa Ladies can win the hearts of the members of the Academy.”

Kiran Rao also took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt message about the journey of creating the film and the recognition it has received. “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,” she wrote.

With its thought-provoking premise and Rao’s vision, Laapataa Ladies is set to represent India on the world stage, and the journey to the Oscars has only just begun.