According to a document being circulated on social media, the panel that formed the Selection Committee to finalize India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 has no women members. This revelation has sparked a considerable amount of debate and controversy within the film industry and beyond.
The Film Federation of India on Monday announced ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as the country’s official entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The film, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, aims to spotlight significant social issues while representing Indian cinema on the global stage. The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on March 2, 2025.
The panel members involved in this decision are all men: Mr. Jahnu Barua (Chairman) – Director, Mr. Manjunatha S. – Lyrics Writer, Mr. Santhosh Raman – Art Director, Mr. Subbiah Nallamuthu – Doc & Short Film, Mr. Ravi Jadhav – Producer, Director, Actor, Mr. G. P. Vijayakumar – Producer, Mr. Avinash U. Shetty – Actor, Director, Producer, Mr. Bobby Bedi – Producer, Mr. Umamaheshwar Rao – Journalist, Producer, Mr. Bhargav Purohit – Music, Mr. Praveen KL – Film Editor, Mr. Longinus Fernandes – Dance Director, and Mr. D. Yuvaraj – Audiographer.
A tweet by user @beastoftraal highlights an aspect of the issue, saying, “Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance”—this line is the opening sentence in the citation for India’s official entry to the Oscars. Then you notice the all-male selection committee 🤷 pic.twitter.
.com/4XjsmCzCam.”
The committee released a citation that reads, “Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance. Well-defined, powerful characters in one world LAAPATAA LADIES (Hindi) captures this diversity perfectly, though in a semi-idyllic world and in a tongue-in-cheek way. It shows you that women can happily desire to be homemakers as well as rebels and be entrepreneurially inclined. A story that can simultaneously be seen as one that needs change, and one that can bring about change. Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) is a film that can engage, entertain, and make sense not just to women in India but universally as well.”
Despite the film focusing on themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment, the absence of women in the committee has not gone unnoticed. The critics argue that a film advocating for women’s issues selected by an all-male committee is both ironic and disheartening.
About Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’
‘Laapataa Ladies’ explores themes of gender equality and women’s empowerment in rural India. The film follows the story of two brides who are inadvertently switched during a train journey in 2001. Starring Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, and Nitanshi Goel in lead roles, the film combines a poignant narrative with a strong social message. The film, which was released in March, also features performances by Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, contributing to the diverse cast that adds depth to the narrative.
The storyline is set against the backdrop of an era when technological advancements were nascent and societal norms were rigid. The film delves into the internal struggles and societal pressures faced by the two protagonists as they navigate their misplaced identities. Throughout their journey, they confront issues of gender roles, familial expectations, and personal dreams. The narrative is punctuated by moments of humor and pathos, making it a compelling watch.
The film’s selection as India’s entry to the Oscars is seen by many as a bold move, showcasing the country’s evolving storytelling landscape and its focus on pressing social issues. However, the composition of the selection committee has sparked discussions about representation and the need for a more inclusive panel that mirrors the diversity of Indian society.
Kiran Rao, the director, is known for her nuanced portrayal of complex social issues. Her previous works have often received critical acclaim for their depth and sensitivity. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is no exception and has been praised for its layered storytelling and strong performances. The film’s nomination for the Oscars is a milestone not just for Rao but for Indian cinema as a whole, reflecting a commitment to producing content that resonates globally while rooted in local realities.
While the committee’s decision has its share of supporters, the overarching sentiment is that future selection panels must be more inclusive. Representation matters, and as India sends a film about women’s empowerment to the Oscars, it is imperative that the voices championing such causes are part of the decision-making process.
As India prepares to compete on a global stage with ‘Laapataa Ladies’, the film industry and its stakeholders have an opportunity to reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion. The Oscars on March 2, 2025, will not just be a night of celebration for Indian cinema but also a moment to consider the broader narratives of equity and representation within the industry.
