The Bollywood industry is buzzing with excitement as Aamir Khan, one of its most iconic superstars, proudly announces that his ex-wife Kiran Rao’s film, ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ has been chosen as India’s official entry at the prestigious Oscars 2025. The Film Federation of India made the announcement on Monday, nominating the film for the Best Foreign Film Category at the Academy Awards. This news has added another feather in the cap of Aamir Khan Productions, marking it the third movie from the production house to gain such a distinguished recognition.
Expressing his elation, Khan stated, “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. My heartfelt gratitude to our audience, our media, and the entire film fraternity, for all the love and support they have given ‘Laapataa Ladies.’ Thanks to both Jio and Netflix, who have been great partners to work with. I am so happy that all our hard work has paid off. Thank you, everyone. Here’s hoping that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is able to win the hearts of the members of the Academy.”
The history of Aamir Khan’s connection with the Academy Awards is illustrious. The journey began with ‘Lagaan,’ a movie starring Aamir Khan that not only became India’s official entry but also made it to the final nominations. This was followed by ‘Taare Zameen Par,’ Aamir’s directorial debut, which was selected as India’s entry to the foreign language category for the 81st annual Academy Awards. With ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ Aamir Khan Productions continues to leave an indelible mark on international cinema.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ first premiered in India in March 2024 and it successfully captivated audiences for more than 100 days in theaters. The film later transitioned to OTT platforms, where it continued to garner love and appreciation.
. Crafted under the banners of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, the movie’s narrative is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay and dialogues are the brainchild of Sneha Desai, with additional dialogues by Divyanidhi Sharma.
Set against the backdrop of rural India, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is a slice-of-life comedy that revolves around the hilarious misadventures of two young brides who get accidentally separated from their grooms on the same train. This leads to a series of laugh-out-loud escapades and mistaken identities that weave through the storyline, bringing forth moments of humor and heartwarming situations.
The film’s selection for contention at the Oscars is not just a win for the creators but also signifies a landmark for Indian cinema at large. This honor underscores the growing influence and evolving craft of Indian filmmaking on a global platform. This development is a beacon of hope and inspiration for Indian filmmakers striving to achieve higher standards of cinematic excellence.
The collaboration with giants like Jio and Netflix significantly contributed to the movie’s successful release and widespread acceptance. Both platforms, known for their extensive reach and audience engagement, played a crucial role in making ‘Laapataa Ladies’ accessible to a broader spectrum of viewers after its theatrical run.
The announcement has also been a matter of pride for Aamir Khan, who has seen Kiran Rao’s journey in the film industry closely. As someone who has been passionately involved in filmmaking for decades, Khan’s reaction to the news is filled with poignancy and support.
Kiran Rao, who has previously helmed critically acclaimed projects, has once again proven her mettle with ‘Laapataa Ladies.’ Her unique storytelling and directorial vision have evidently struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, paving the way for another potential landmark moment for Indian cinema at the Oscars.
As the countdown to the Oscars 2025 begins, all eyes will be on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to see whether it will be able to charm the Academy members and secure a win. The hope is high, and the anticipation is palpable, not just within the film fraternity but among fans and cinema lovers across the globe.
For now, the news of the film’s nomination stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. The film fraternity and fans alike will continue to celebrate this significant achievement, rooting for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as it makes its journey towards possibly clinching the Oscar.
