Kiran Rao Hopes 'Laapataa Ladies' Resonates Globally as India's Entry for the 97th Academy Awards

Kiran Rao expressed her gratitude for 'Laapataa Ladies' being chosen as India's official entry for the 97th Academy Awards, hoping it resonates globally. Produced by Aamir Khan, the film has received widespread acclaim for its comedic storytelling and talented cast. The Academy Awards will be held on March 2, 2025.

Film producer and screenwriter Kiran Rao expressed hope that 'Laapataa Ladies,' India's official entry for the 97th Academy Awards, will resonate with global audiences as it has domestically. The Film Federation of India (FFI) made the announcement on Monday, highlighting the film's unique storytelling and broad appeal.

Produced by Aamir Khan in collaboration with Kiran Rao and Jyoti Deshpande, 'Laapataa Ladies' has garnered widespread acclaim since its release. The film features a star-studded cast, including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan, and centers around a comedic tale of two young brides who find themselves lost during a train journey, leading to humorous misunderstandings.

Rao expressed her gratitude upon receiving the news, stating, "I am deeply honored and delighted that our film 'Laapataa Ladies' has been chosen as India's official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life." She emphasized the power of cinema to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations, saying she hopes the film will resonate globally as it has in India.

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and to everyone who believed in this film. It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year - all equally worthy contenders for this honor," she added, thanking the audience for their love and support, which she said inspires filmmakers to push creative boundaries.

The film, presented by Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios, was selected among 29 contenders, further establishing itself as a worthy representative of Indian cinema on the global stage. Rao credited the entire cast and crew for their hard work and appreciated the selection committee's decision.

"It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and talented team of professionals who shared my commitment to telling this story," she said. 'Laapataa Ladies' is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami, with screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai and Divyanidhi Sharma.

Submissions for the 96th Oscars are due by 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 scheduled for March 2, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)