Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2025. The film is eyeing a nomination in the Best Foreign Film category. Laapataa Ladies features Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan.
Pratibha Ranta, who played Jaya Singh in the film, has called this feat an ‘invitation to international viewers’ to experience the brilliance of Indian cinema. Pratibha Ranta told News18 Showsha, “I’m beyond excited that ‘Lapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars! This film holds a special place in my heart, especially my character, Jaya.” The actress added, “I believe the story beautifully resonates with audiences worldwide, showcasing themes of love, loss, and the search for individuality.
It’s a celebration of our culture and an invitation to international viewers to experience the richness of Indian storytelling. I’m grateful to be part of such an important project!” Laapataa Ladies revolves around the misadventures of two young brides who get lost on the same train. While Pratibha portrays the role of Jaya Singh, Sparsh Shrivastava plays the character of Deepak Kumar.
Nitanshi Goel portrays the character of Phool. The film was directed by Kiran Rao and backed by Aamir Khan. Upon the film’s release, newer actors Pratibha, Nitanshi and Sparsh received immense praise and recognition.
In fact, Pratibha was even seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. She has amassed a huge fan following since the film’s release, which has piqued everyone’s interest in the actress’ life. The 24-year-old actress is from Himachal Pradesh.
Ranta is from Tikkar in Shimla district and later moved to Shimla to study. She studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Chelsea in Shimla and graduated in filmmaking from Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Management in Mumbai. She made her acting debut in the TV show Qurbaan Hua (2020-2021) but became popular after starring in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi in 2024.
If Laapataa Ladies secures a nomination at the Oscars, it will be an unprecedented moment in Pratibha Ranta’s career. The film has beat Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone starrer Kalki 2898 AD and Kartik Aaryan’s Chandu Champion among others to be selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2025..
