Kiran Rao, the esteemed filmmaker renowned for her innovative approach to storytelling, recently inspired a captive audience at the London School of Economics (LSE). The director of the acclaimed film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (Lost Ladies) engaged with students in an insightful dialogue about her latest cinematic endeavor, which creatively tackles sophisticated themes such as identity, empowerment, and sisterhood, all woven together through a satirical and humorous framework.
Jio Studios and Aamir Khan Productions, the forces behind ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ have gained acclaim for their adept combination of humor and impactful narratives. The film has not only become a favorite among viewers but also attracted international attention, with an OTT release that caught the eyes of Japanese audiences who showered it with praise. Its selection as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 further solidified its significance in the global cinema landscape.
Kiran Rao’s visit to LSE was marked by a captivating discussion, where she was invited to share her insights post the film’s nomination for the Oscars. This session was hosted in collaboration with NISAU_UK and provided an enriching experience for the attendees. During the event, Rao delved into her creative journey, elucidating how she endeavors to broaden the horizons of storytelling within Indian cinema and utilize film as a medium for societal transformation.
The fireside chat was shared widely, capturing attention via a post by Aamir Khan Productions that shared glimpses of Rao’s engaging discourse at LSE. The post conveyed Rao’s reflections on the evolution of storytelling and her pledge to drive social change through the cinematic arts. Hailed as an institution for the social sciences, LSE offered an ideal platform for such a profound exchange of ideas, providing students a rare opportunity to gain insight into Rao’s approach to filmmaking and her aspirations to make a difference through film.
During the session, Rao spoke at length about ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ emphasizing its focus on identity, empowerment, and sisterhood, topics that resonate with audiences far and wide.
. The satirical and humorous tone of the film makes its serious themes accessible and engaging, fostering a deeper connection with viewers, especially the youth studying at LSE who showed immense interest in these themes.
Reflecting on her engagement with the students, Kiran Rao expressed her delight at the opportunity to converse with such an eager and curious audience. “Being able to interact with students at the London School of Economics and from several universities across the UK through NISAU was truly rewarding,” Rao stated. The students’ enthusiasm and inquisitiveness invigorated the discussion, reinforcing Rao’s belief in storytelling’s power to bridge communities and initiate change.
‘Laapataa Ladies,’ presented by Jio Studios, stands as a testament to Kiran Rao’s vision and artistic prowess. Produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande, under the Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions banners, the film’s story is rooted in Biplab Goswami’s award-winning narrative. The screenplay and dialogues were skillfully crafted by Sneha Desai, augmented further by additional contributions from Divyanidhi Sharma, rendering the film a rich tapestry of storytelling and humor.
The film remains a topic of intense discussion and continues to draw audience interest at theaters, earning accolades for its contribution to the cultural conversation around gender and societal roles. The recognition it has garnered internationally, and its impending representation at the Oscars, highlight not just the film’s artistic achievements but also the importance of the themes it explores.
Kiran Rao’s conversation at LSE and the lasting impact of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ underscore the importance of using the cinematic medium not only for entertainment but as a vehicle for meaningful dialogue and social reflection. By addressing pertinent issues through a comedic lens, Rao has opened up new vistas for engaging audiences and fostering a broader understanding of the narratives that shape our society. Her work and her words leave a resounding impact, inspiring the next generation of changemakers to harness the power of film for transformative storytelling.
