In a moment of immense pride for Bollywood, superstar Aamir Khan has expressed his joy and admiration following the selection of his ex-wife Kiran Rao’s film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. This significant announcement was made by the Film Federation of India, confirming that the film would be India’s contender in the Best Foreign Film category at the revered Academy Awards.
With profound happiness, Aamir Khan shared his sentiments in a statement, saying, “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 Laapata Ladies. Thanks to both Jio and Netflix who have been wonderful 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.”
This mark of honor adds another feather to Aamir Khan’s illustrious cap, as ‘Laapataa Ladies’ becomes the third film from his production house to be chosen as India’s official Oscar entry. The journey started with ‘Lagaan’, a film that not only represented India at the Academy Awards but also secured a nomination in the final list – a rare achievement. Following ‘Lagaan’, Aamir Khan’s directorial debut, ‘Taare Zameen Par’, also earned the honor of being India’s official entry to the foreign language category at the 81st annual Academy Awards.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ had its premiere in March 2024 in India and captured the hearts of audiences, running for over 100 days in theaters. The film then continued its successful streak on various OTT platforms, garnering accolades and appreciation from viewers globally. This slice-of-life comedy narrates the intriguing misadventures of two young brides who find themselves separated on a train journey, each with a different groom. The film masterfully blends elements of mistaken identities and amusing escapades, bringing a unique comic flavor that resonates with a wide audience.
Produced under the banners of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ boasts a script adapted from an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay and dialogues are crafted by Sneha Desai, with additional dialogues contributed by Divyanidhi Sharma.
. The collaborative effort in making this film has certainly paid off, as evidenced by its selection for the Oscars.
The support from major streaming partners, Jio and Netflix, played a crucial role in the film’s widespread availability and success. Their collaboration ensured that a larger audience had the opportunity to watch and appreciate the film’s unique storyline and comedic elements. Aamir Khan, acknowledging their partnership, expressed his gratitude, “Thanks to both Jio and Netflix who have been great partners to work with.”
As the film prepares to compete on the prestigious Oscar stage, the optimism surrounding ‘Laapataa Ladies’ continues to build. Bollywood, known for its vibrant and diverse storytelling, has always aspired to make a significant impact at the global level, and this film’s journey is a testament to that enduring dream. Aamir Khan’s heartfelt message underscores a collective hope that the film will charm the Academy’s members and bring home a coveted Oscar.
Looking back, Aamir Khan’s association with the Academy Awards is a story of determination and excellence. ‘Lagaan’ set the precedent, showcasing the potential of Indian cinema on an international platform. Its success was a harbinger of more films from Aamir Khan Productions crossing national boundaries and attaining global acclaim. ‘Taare Zameen Par’ further solidified this legacy, reflecting the depth and emotional richness of Indian storytelling.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ now joins this distinguished lineage, embodying the creativity and hard work of an entire team dedicated to bringing a unique cinematic experience to life. The film’s selection as India’s official entry to the Oscars presents not just a moment of pride for Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao but also for Bollywood and Indian cinema at large. As the excitement builds for the Academy Awards 2025, all eyes will be on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to see how it fares in the global cinematic arena.
With Kiran Rao at the helm, the film’s journey thus far has been nothing short of inspiring. Her direction has infused ‘Laapataa Ladies’ with authenticity and a vibrant narrative that is both humorous and thought-provoking. The anticipation now shifts toward the Oscars, where the film’s universal appeal and creative storytelling will strive to make an indelible mark.
As we await the Academy’s final decision, the unified support from audiences, media, and the film fraternity stands as a powerful testament to the film’s impact. Here’s to hoping that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ will continue to soar and bring pride to Indian cinema on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
