Kiran Rao on people crediting Aamir Khan for her success
During her appearance on Kareena Kapoor's show, Kiran Rao stated that it is ‘low’ of people to entirely credit Aamir Khan for her success.
In this interview, Kiran Rao discusses her film ‘Laapataa Ladies’, India’s Oscar entry, exploring how it addresses gender issues through humor and social commentary.
Some filmmakers simply tell stories; others, like Kiran Rao, dive deep into their subjects, exploring socio-political nuances to create impactful narratives. Her latest film, ‘Laapataa Ladies’, is selected as India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Through sharp humor and insightful social commentary, she tackles complex issues with a relatable touch. In this interview with The Statesman, Kiran Rao shares her inspirations, the challenges of authentically portraying rural life, and her hopes that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ will ignite global conversations about gender equality.
When Aamir had shared the story that Biplab had written with me, I knew that this was a story I wanted to tell. The premise itself was intriguing and lent itself as a vehicle to use satire and comedy to convey important messages. We spent a considerable time writing the screenplay and dialogues, to craft something that we all were proud of. I am grateful to have three wonderful writers in Biplab, Sneha and Divynidhi bring layers and authenticity to the story.
We aimed to infuse humor into the narrative while maintaining a focus on the underlying social commentary. By creating relatable characters and situations, we hoped to spark discussions without alienating the audience. It was about finding that sweet spot where entertainment and the commentary could be seamlessly woven.
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Capturing the nuances of rural life was actually the most fun part of recceing and shooting. In creating our own fictional state – Nirmal Pradesh, we had the liberty to then craft the village and its life the way we wanted. My casting director Romil did a fabulous job finding us the right set of actors. We also worked closely with a lot of local actors from the area to ensure authenticity. Their insights helped shape the characters and setting, making it a genuine reflection of the overall environment.
I’d like to believe my style has always been character-driven, focusing on human emotions and relationships. But to be honest, I’ve never really thought about having a particular style. For me, it is always been about doing right by the story I am telling. Since my debut, I’ve been inspired to experiment with narrative structures and tones, blending realism with a touch of whimsy.
As a filmmaker and producer, the most rewarding part has been to see the audience reactions. It has been overwhelming to say the least. As we are on our Oscar journey, we are beginning to see first hand how international audiences are reacting to the film – and it’s been really positive so far. It’s fascinating that they are able to point out and understand the nuances. Similarly, the love from our Japan theatrical release has been wonderful. So many beautiful messages pouring in.
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I am happy that the audiences are engaging with the themes organically, not just in India but world over. In today’s context, it’s vital to reflect on gender roles and relationships, and I believe cinema can foster important conversations about these issues. Our aim was always to initiate conversations of gender equality, womanhood and self discovery with this film, which I am deeply interested in, and I am happy we have been able to do that.
I am a firm believer of the fact that Cinema is a powerful tool to be able to spark meaningful conversations. They can challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogue. As a filmmaker, my hope was always that this film would do that and I am overwhelmed with the conversations the film has managed to spark.
I draw inspiration from a variety of filmmakers, including those who tackle social issues with a blend of humor and depth. My favourite in this genre is Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, a classic social satire that I never tire of watching. With regards to Laapataa Ladies, I think credit goes to Biplab, Sneha and Divynidhi for breathing life into the story and characters, making the film what it is.
I recently read the wonderful book ‘The Master and Margarita’ – a sparkling satire of Russian (and indeed all) society by Mikhail Bulgakov, full of wit and sharp insights in a fantastical plot. And, watched Sean Baker’s Anora recently, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe as an artist it’s very important for me to absorb and reflect on the works of other artists, which can inspire and provoke me creatively, and challenge me to better my craft.
I would say work hard to find your voice, and then be confident in making your voice heard. I think it’s supremely important to build a supportive network, seek mentorship, and take risks. And, while the going may be tough, one should never give up and never stop learning. The industry needs diverse stories, and your perspective is valuable.
Right now our focus is doing our best with the Oscar campaign. Getting as many people to watch our film. There’s a couple of stories I’ve been working on, including one in a fable/horror genre that I am keen on doing. I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to sharing more about my upcoming projects soon.
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