India Selects 'Laapataa Ladies' for 97th Academy Awards

'Laapataa Ladies,' directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, is India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The film explores gender equality and women's empowerment in rural India through the story of two brides switched during a train journey.

India has announced 'Laapataa Ladies' as its official entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, the film aims to shed light on pressing social issues while showcasing India's cinematic talent globally.

The selection was confirmed by Kiran Rao's team. 'Laapataa Ladies' delves into themes of gender equality and women's empowerment in rural India, narrating the story of two brides who are mistakenly switched during a train journey in 2001.

The film stars Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastava, and Nitanshi Goel in lead roles, blending a compelling narrative with a potent social message. It was recently featured at a special event at the Supreme Court of India, where Rao thanked the Chief Justice for screening the film, enhancing its reach. Released in March, the film also includes performances by Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma, enriching the story with a diverse cast.

The submission deadline for the 96th Oscars is November 14, with the shortlist for Best International Feature to be revealed on December 17. Nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025, and the Academy Awards ceremony is set for March 2, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)