India’s official Oscar entry, “Laapataa Ladies,” won ten awards, including Best Picture and Best Direction, at the 2025 IIFA Awards held in Jaipur. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film focuses on themes of patriarchy and gender roles, marking a departure from traditional Bollywood narratives. The IIFA ceremony featured performances from top Bollywood stars and showcased notable fashion.
In a remarkable turn of events, India’s official Oscar entry, which unfortunately did not secure a nomination, achieved tremendous success at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA). Directed by Kiran Rao, “Laapataa Ladies,” known as “Lost Ladies” for its Oscar campaign, won a total of ten awards at the 2025 IIFA, including accolades for Best Picture and Best Direction.
The film, released in 2023, is a comedy centered on the mistaken identities of two veiled brides during a train journey, addressing themes of patriarchy and gender roles. This narrative represents a significant departure from the traditional male-dominated storylines prevalent in Indian cinema. Director Kiran Rao expressed gratitude during her acceptance speech, stating, “It’s a rare privilege to win an award for a film like ‘Laapataa Ladies’….”
Rao’s film also claimed victories in categories such as Best Story, Best Screenplay, and Best Actress in Leading Role, further emphasizing its creative accolades. The IIFA ceremony unfolded in Jaipur, showcasing the contributions of eminent personalities in the Indian film industry.
The event featured captivating performances from Bollywood luminaries like Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor, with hosting duties by renowned figures Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan. The awards ceremony also served as a platform for celebrities to exhibit their fashion choices, with stars including Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif, and Kareena Kapoor Khan gracing the green carpet.
In conclusion, the triumph of “Laapataa Ladies” at the IIFA awards highlights its critical acclaim and relevance in addressing modern societal issues. Despite not achieving Oscar nomination status, the film’s ten victories at one of Bollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremonies demonstrate its significant impact within the Indian film industry. Director Kiran Rao’s exceptional work showcases a refreshing shift in narrative style, emphasizing the importance of diverse storytelling in cinema.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
