Exclusive - Laapataa Ladies' screenwriter Sneha Desai on Big Oscar entry: It is a validation of hard work and creativity

Laapataa Ladies' screenwriter Sneha Desai says it feels like a validation of the hard work

Laapataa Ladies' screenwriter Sneha Desai says it feels like a validation of the hard work that they have put in the film, which has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars 2025.

In an exclusive conversation with Money Control, Sneha Desai, who has written the screenplay and dialogues, for Laapataa Ladies directed by Kiran Rao, said it’s a mix of excitement, pride, and disbelief.

The film directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan is set in 2001 rural India and revolves around two brides who accidently get swapped during a train journey.

It is Sneha's debut as a movie screenwriter, earlier she has written for the hit TV shows Pushpa Impossible and Wagle Ki Duniya.

Sneha said her debut movie as a writer making it as India's official entry into Oscars is 'beyond words and it is something she never imagined."

Here are the excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Congrats for Laapataa Ladies making it to Oscars 2025 as India's official entry! How are you feeling?

Sneha: Thank you so much! Honestly, it’s a mix of excitement, pride, and disbelief. It feels like a validation of the hard work and creativity that went into the film. As a writer, this recognition is a dream come true, not just for me but for everyone involved in the project. I’m filled with gratitude and feel incredibly lucky to be part of something this special.

Has the feeling sunk in?

Sneha: Not really! I woke up thinking, “Is this really happening?” I think it will take a little more time to truly process, but I’m enjoying every second of this rollercoaster of emotions.

Your first movie as a writer, and it gets a huge nod. How is that feeling, and when did you come to know?

Sneha: It’s beyond words. To have your first film receive such an enormous nod is something I never imagined. It’s an overwhelming feeling of joy, pride, and disbelief. I was in the middle of a meeting when I got the call, and for a few moments, I didn’t know how to react. My heart was racing, and I had to take a moment to let it all sink in. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.

Who all have called, and what is the reaction of your family?

Sneha: So many people have reached out - colleagues from the industry, friends, mentors, and well-wishers. The support has been overwhelming. As for my family, they are over the moon. They have always believed in me, and this moment is as much theirs as it is mine. They’ve seen me through my struggles, and to see their pride and joy is something I’ll always treasure.

Do you ever have that writer’s block?

Sneha: Oh, definitely! Writer’s block is real and can be frustrating. But over the years, I’ve learned to not panic when it happens. My television writing has helped me develop a tremendous desk discipline and that often keeps creative blocks at bay. but when it does hit, I take a break, go for a walk, or shift my focus to something else for a while. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places—conversations, books, or just observing life around me. I think it’s important to trust the process and know that the ideas will flow again in time.

How was it working with Kiran Rao, and what kind of freedom did you have while writing the story for Laapataa Ladies?

Sneha:  Working with Kiran was an absolute pleasure. She’s not only a visionary but also someone who truly trusts her team. From the beginning, she gave me the creative freedom to shape the story while offering her guidance and insights. We had discussions and brainstorming sessions, and she always encouraged me to bring an authentic but identifiable voice to the table. Her collaborative approach made the writing process smooth and fulfilling, and it’s rare to find that kind of trust and understanding in a director-writer relationship.

You’ve written screenplay and dialogues for great films like Maharaj and Laapataa Ladies. What’s next?

Sneha: I’m excited about what’s coming up. First up is a Phantom production - an Advait Chandan directorial that is due for release in early 2025. There are also few projects in the works, but for now, I’m focused on soaking in the joy of Laapataa Ladies and Maharaj. As a writer, there’s always the drive to explore new themes, new characters, and new worlds, so I’m working on concepts that challenge me and push my creativity further. Stay tuned!

How is writing different for TV and movies?

Sneha: Writing for TV and movies are two very different beasts. TV writing is often more fast-paced, with characters and storylines evolving continuously. There’s a lot more immediacy in television, and you’re always on your toes, creating content that will keep audiences coming back week after week. Movies, on the other hand, allow for more time and focus. You get to dive deep into the world you’re creating and flesh out every nuance with more precision. In TV, it’s like writing an ongoing novel, whereas a film is more like a short story—compact but impactful.

You’ve written for Pushpa Impossible and Wagle Ki Duniya – both well-received shows. How has that experience been?

Sneha: It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. Both Pushpa Impossible and Wagle Ki Duniya have resonated with audiences in such meaningful ways. Writing for TV keeps me grounded in everyday life. It allows me to explore characters that feel real and relatable, and that’s what has been special about these shows. Seeing audiences connect with these stories and characters has been a fulfilling journey. It’s a different kind of satisfaction from film writing, but equally rewarding.

Sneha Desai  has written many dramas and TV shows. She has clocked over 1200 shows on stage.