Filmmaker Kiran Rao’s latest film, Laapataa Ladies, has garnered significant attention, being selected as India’s entry for the Oscars 2025. The film, which explores the everyday struggles faced by women at different stages of life, was praised for its unique storytelling and rooted narrative. In an interview, Kiran discussed the inspiration behind the film and the decision to cast fresh faces.
Kiran Rao explained that one of the film’s core strengths was its ability to present women’s everyday challenges in a relatable way. “We put a lot of thought into how to integrate the everyday struggles women face at different stages of their lives into the story,” she shared. By addressing these issues with humour, the film avoids coming off as a lecture, offering a more engaging viewing experience. “Humour is one of the best ways to tackle some of the most uncomfortable issues,” Kiran added.
Kiran also emphasized the impact of casting newcomers in Laapataa Ladies. By introducing unfamiliar faces, the film allowed audiences to fully immerse themselves in the narrative without being distracted by well-known actors. “With a completely fresh cast, people didn’t recognise the actors, allowing them to forget and fully immerse themselves in the world of the film. That worked in our favour,” she noted. The fresh cast, including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava, brought a sense of authenticity to the film, which resonated with viewers.
The absurdity of the plot—a mix-up of two women on a train due to their veils—naturally lent itself to comedy. According to Kiran, humour became the key tool to present serious issues in a light-hearted yet thought-provoking manner. “The premise itself—a mix-up of two women on a train due to their ghunghats (veils)—was so absurd, it naturally lent itself to comedy.”
Laapataa Ladies was produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios. It hit theatres on March 1, 2024, featuring a cast of newcomers alongside seasoned actors like Ravi Kishan and Chhaya Kadam.
