September 24, 2024
The Film Federation of India has announced that Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies will be India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. This critically acclaimed film, produced by Aamir Khan and Jio Studios, has been praised for its portrayal of the diverse experiences of Indian women.
Set in a rural village in Madhya Pradesh, Laapataa Ladies is a dramedy that follows the story of two young brides who are accidentally swapped during a train journey. The film stars Nitashi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, Ravi Kishan, and Chaya Kadam.
The selection committee, chaired by Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, chose Laapataa Ladies from a pool of 29 films across various Indian languages. The committee highlighted the film’s ability to capture the complex blend of submission and dominance in Indian women, making it a compelling narrative that resonates with both national and international audiences.
Kiran Rao expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured and beyond delighted that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India.”
This marks producer Aamir Khan’s second venture to the Academy Awards, following the nomination of his 2001 film “Lagaan.” The film’s selection is a significant achievement, reflecting the growing recognition of Indian cinema on the global stage.
