Kiran Rao: ‘We will consider submitting 'Laapataa Ladies' for the Oscars next year’

Kiran Rao's sophomore 'Laapataa Ladies' will hit the theatres on March 1.

Filmmaker Kiran Rao has been busy with the multiple promotional activities spread across many cities, of her second directorial stint Laapataa Ladies.

Kiran, Aamir Khan’s ex-wife and mother to their son by surrogacy, Azad, had debuted as a director with Dhobhi Ghat in 2011.

The film, Laapataa Ladies, set in rural India, deals with the case of two missing brides and the trailer brings to light the fun moments interspersed in the rather serious situation of a lost wife being replaced by another mysterious woman. The film is set to release in theatres on March 1, this year.

During a special screening in the capital, the director, when asked if the film was being sent to the Academy Awards next year, discussed it and explained her course of action.

At the promotional event held in New Delhi, that was attended by the cast of the film, Kiran was reportedly quoted saying, “Our primary recognition comes from the audience's response at the box office. If the viewers and the nation appreciate our work, that would be the greatest accolade for us."

The director added that following the viewer's reaction, they would consider submitting the film for the Oscars next year. At the press conference, she reportedly said, “There is a specific community tasked with assessing and selecting the finest films of the year, and if our film is deemed worthy, we will submit it for the prestigious Oscars. However, for now, we are eagerly anticipating the recognition we are yet to receive on March 1, 2024, hinting at the film's release."

Made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, Laapataa Ladies features Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava and Chhaya Kadam in prominent roles. The film is based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story.