'This is not the end': Aamir Khan after Laapataa Ladies misses Oscars 2025 shortlist

The producers of Laapataa Ladies—Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions—have shared their thoughts following the film's exit from the Oscars 2025 race. As India's official entry for the Best Foreign Feature Film category, the movie held high expectations but ultimately did not make it to the top 15 shortlist.

The production teams acknowledged their “disappointment” but expressed immense pride in Laapataa Ladies' journey and the recognition it received. They extended gratitude to the Academy members and the Film Federation of India (FFI) jury for considering the film and highlighted the honour of being part of the process alongside some of the finest global films. They also thanked audiences worldwide for their love and support, emphasizing that this setback is “not the end” but a step forward in their mission to bring more powerful stories to life.

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, has been praised for its unique narrative and compelling performances. However, its exclusion from the shortlist sparked varied reactions from the cast. Chhaya Kadam, who portrayed Manju Maai, described the outcome as shocking and heartbreaking, expressing her strong belief that the film had a solid chance of advancing further. She noted that the support from fans and the industry had amplified her hopes for success.


In contrast, Deepak Kumar, who also starred in the film, shared a different perspective. He emphasized that reaching the Oscars selection stage with his debut film was a significant achievement in itself. While he would have loved for Laapataa Ladies to be shortlisted, he found immense pride in being part of the journey. Reflecting on the experience, Kumar noted that the team had given their best to the project and deeply respected the decision.

About Laapataa Ladies

Laapataa Ladies, internationally titled Lost Ladies, is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama directed by Kiran Rao. Produced by Rao, Aamir Khan, and Jyoti Deshpande, the film features an ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan.

The story follows two young newlywed brides who, during a chaotic train journey to their husbands' homes, inadvertently get swapped, leading to a series of humorous and dramatic events. The film explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the resilience of women, all wrapped in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking narrative.