India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, Laapataa Ladies (directed by Kiran Rao), has failed to make it to the Oscar shortlist. On December 17, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlist for the upcoming Oscars, leaving fans and cinephiles disappointed as the film did not secure a spot.
The Laapataa Ladies team put in significant efforts to campaign for the prestigious award. The team organized multiple screenings and conducted a vigorous promotional campaign. Director Kiran Rao and producer Aamir Khan gave several interviews to Hollywood media, highlighting the film’s themes of women’s freedom, financial independence, and empowerment. Many believed the film had a strong chance of winning due to its socially impactful narrative and critical acclaim. However, the recent announcement has left audiences and the Indian film fraternity disheartened.
Shahana Goswami’s Santosh Earns a Spot on the Shortlist
While Laapataa Ladies missed out, Indian-origin actress Shahana Goswami has brought joy to fans with her film Santosh making it to the Oscar shortlist in the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by Sandhya Suri, the Hindi film represents the UK and has received immense appreciation globally.
Shahana, known for her performances in Bollywood and English films, expressed her excitement over this achievement. Santosh had earlier premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered critical acclaim. Speaking about this milestone, Shahana said, “I am overjoyed that our film is receiving recognition on such a grand scale. When the team informed me about making it to the shortlist, I was completely shocked—it felt surreal. I never expected the film to go this far.”
The movie’s recognition has sparked a wave of congratulatory messages for Shahana on social media, with fans celebrating this significant accomplishment. As Santosh continues its journey toward the Oscars, hopes are high for its success at the prestigious ceremony.
