Kiran Rao pens a heartfelt note of gratitude as 'Laapataa Ladies' gets selected as India's entry for Oscars

Kiran Rao'sRao's film Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India's official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards, competing in the Best International Feature Film category. This decision was made by the Film Federation of India (FFI), who announced the news on Monday. The Hindi film, a satirical take on patriarchy, emerged as the top choice among 29 contenders.

Now, the director, Kiran Rao, has taken to her social media handle to acknowledge this feat and pour out her gratitude to each and every one who supported her in this journey. She penned a lengthy note that read, "I am deeply honored and beyond 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. 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. 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 - who are equally worthy contenders for this honor."

She further added, "My deepest thanks go to Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios for their unwavering support and faith in this vision. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and talented team of professionals who shared my commitment to telling this story. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew, whose immense talent, dedication, and hard work made this film possible."

She concluded by saying, "This journey has been one of incredible collaboration and growth. To the audience, your love and support mean the world to us, and it is your belief in this film that continues to inspire us as filmmakers to push creative boundaries. Thank you once again for this incredible honor. We look forward to taking this journey ahead with great enthusiasm."

Rao, in a prior interview, had expressed her wish for Laapataa Ladies to be considered for the Oscars. Laapataa Ladies is set in rural India in 2001 and tells the story of two young brides who are accidentally switched during a train journey. This heartwarming narrative explores themes of identity and empowerment. Produced by Kiran Rao's Kindling Productions and Aamir Khan Productions, featuring performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, and others, the film was released in March this year to widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.