Laapataa Ladies reached another milestone as Kiran Rao's directorial has been chosen as India’s official entry to Oscars 2025. Reacting to the news, Kiran, Aamir Khan, Ravi Kishan, Sparsh Shrivastava, and others expressed their gratitude in statements. Now, in a new interview, veteran filmmaker Jahnu Barua, who headed the jury that decided on India's official entry to the 97th Oscars, opened up on why Laapataa Ladies was chosen for it. 

Jury chairman Jahnu Barua on choosing Laapataa Ladies for Oscars 2025

In a new interview with Indian Express, veteran filmmaker and Jury chairman Jahnu Barua shared the factors for choosing Laapataa Ladies as India's official entry to Oscars 2025. 

He said, "The jury has to look at the right film that represents India on all fronts. Particularly, the film has to represent India’s social systems and ethos. The Indianness is very important, and Laapataa Ladies scored on that front."

He further mentioned that it is important that the best suited film, which represents India, is sent as the official entry to the Oscars.

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao express gratitude

Reacting to the news, Aamir Khan Productions shared a story on their official Instagram handle. They wrote, "It is important that the best suited film, which represents India, is sent as the official entry to the Oscars."

On the other hand, Kiran Rao shared a long gratitude message on her Instagram account, She wrote, "I am deeply honored and beyond delighted that our film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with audiences across the world, just as it has in India."

The filmmaker also thanked the audience, Aamir Khan, the whole cast, and the crew as their film became India's official entry to the Oscars 2025. 

Meanwhile, earlier in April, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC today announced the 97th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The show will air live at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST on ABC. 

Read Also: Aamir Khan expresses gratitude after Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies becomes India's official entry to Oscars 2025