Actor and politician Ravi Kishan has expressed excitement over the selection of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards.
Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, the film tells a poignant yet humorous story that resonates with audiences, both in India and beyond.
Ravi Kishan, who plays Inspector Shyam Manohar in the film, shared his joy in a recent statement, stating, “I am very happy; I can’t believe it. For the first time in my 34-year career, a film I worked in is going to the Oscars.”
The Film Federation of India (FFI) officially announced the nomination on Monday, confirming that ‘Laapataa Ladies’ had bested 29 other contenders to earn its place in the Oscars race. Kishan expressed deep gratitude to Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan, highlighting the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project.
“This film represents India,” he emphasized. “Now the world will see how 80 percent of our villages and rural areas are progressing. This film showcases how daughters fight for their dreams, which really touched me.”
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Released in theaters on March 1, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is currently streaming on Netflix and has garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike. The film’s unique narrative and appeal are part of what makes it stand out, and Kishan believes it deserves to be recognized on a larger scale.
“This film definitely deserves to be tax-free and should be shown in theatres across the country,” he asserted. “Such films are rare; they touch the heart and instill self-confidence.”
Kiran Rao also shared her elation over the selection, stating, “I am deeply honoured 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.” She expressed hope that the film would resonate with international audiences, emphasizing cinema’s power to foster meaningful discussions.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ is a satirical comedy that follows the misadventures of two young brides who become separated during a train journey. The film is a delightful mix of humor and charm, featuring a talented cast that includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan.
Produced under the banners of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, the film is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami, with a screenplay crafted by Sneha Desai and additional contributions from Divyanidhi Sharma.
The Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place on March 2, 2025, with the nominations scheduled to be announced on January 17, 2025.