Mumbai: The buzz surrounding Kiran Rao’s directorial marvel, ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ has reached unprecedented heights following its official selection as India’s entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars. Since the announcement on Monday, excitement and pride have engulfed the film industry, with one of the most effusive reactions coming from Nitanshi Goel, the 17-year-old actress who debuted in Bollywood with the film’s lead role as ‘Phool Kumari’.
Goel’s enthusiasm was palpable when she first learned about the film’s Oscar entry. In an exclusive interaction with ANI, she said, “I felt so happy. I was dancing all around in the room. I was brimming with gratitude. I’m really, really happy because this film is so special to me. Especially my character, Phool, has received so much love.”
The young actress expressed her heartfelt thanks to the film’s director, Kiran Rao, and producer Aamir Khan, as well as the dedicated fans who have made the journey remarkable. “I’m really thankful to Kiran ma’am, Aamir sir, and especially to my lovely audience. They have all given us wings to fly internationally. The way the film is being appreciated now, not just in India but also abroad, feels incredible,” Goel added.
Sharing an intimate behind-the-scenes moment, Goel revealed how a simple WhatsApp message from Aamir Khan significantly boosted her confidence during the shoot. “Aamir sir was technically not on set, but he used to send us messages on WhatsApp. He would tell us if a shot was okay or if it needed to be done again,” she said.
Recounting a particular day on set, Nitanshi shared, “I remember on the second day of shooting, there was a scene I was a bit unsure about. I wanted some validation from both Kiran ma’am and Aamir Sir. Then Kiran ma’am came up to me and showed me Aamir sir’s message, where he said, ‘Your Phool is rocking it.’ From that day onwards, I felt so much more confident. That message really boosted me.”
Reflecting on her remarkable journey since the film’s release, Goel described it as living a “fairy-tale life”.
. She stated, “I’m living a fairy-tale life. Ever since the release, the love my character Phool has received has been overwhelming. People meet me with so much love in their eyes, and it’s not just the audiences, but also people from the industry. So many filmmakers and actors, whom I deeply admire, have shown great appreciation for my work. It’s truly been a magical experience.”
‘Laapataa Ladies’, which hit the theatres on March 1, boasts a star-studded cast including Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam alongside Nitanshi Goel. The film, a socio-comedy set in rural India, has struck a chord with both domestic and international audiences due to its relatable themes and endearing performances.
Nitanshi’s statement further highlights the film’s global impact. “The way the film is being appreciated now, not just in India but also abroad, feels incredible,” she noted, indicating the film’s powerful crossover appeal.
The recognition of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as India’s Oscars entry is a poignant moment for the team, reflecting the dedication and hard work put into the project. Kiran Rao’s direction, coupled with the compelling performances of the cast, has set the film on a path to potentially garnering international acclaim.
Goel’s insider anecdotes about the filming process provide an enlightening glimpse into the supportive environment fostered by Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan. “Aamir sir was technically not on set, but he used to send us messages on WhatsApp. He would tell us if a shot was okay or if it needed to be done again,” she reiterated.
The narrative of building her confidence early in her career under such esteemed mentors elevates the story of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ beyond its cinematic achievements to include meaningful personal growth. Nitanshi’s admission of feeling like she’s living in a “fairy-tale life” encapsulates the spirit of hope and possibility that the film has brought into her life and to its enthusiastic audience.
With ‘Laapataa Ladies’ gearing up for its international representation at the Oscars, it carries the aspirations of its cast, crew, and a nation that is thrilled and hopeful. Nitanshi Goel’s journey from an aspiring actress to the star of an Oscar-contending film marks a milestone worth celebrating.
As the world watches the progression of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ towards the Oscars, the narrative of its success continues to inspire. In the realm of cinema, where dreams are visualized frame by frame, the story of Phool Kumari’s magic and Nitanshi Goel’s joyous journey stand testament to the boundless possibilities that a heartfelt film can achieve.
With the world waiting in anticipation, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is not just a film; it’s an emblem of dreams nurtured and victories celebrated.
