India’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards, Lapata Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, Excluded from Best International Feature category. The news has left the cast and crew with mixed emotions ranging from disappointment to pride.
Actor and politician Ravi Kishan, who played the role of sub-inspector Shyam Manohar in the film, has expressed grief over this news. “I tried to talk to Kiran (Rao, director) but she is probably traveling yati baat nahi ho payi (so I couldn’t talk to her). Of course I am sad but I am happy that Ravi Kishan has made it to the Oscars (I’m very sad that the film didn’t cut it, but I’m proud that my film could make it to the Oscars). I will try again with a good film,’ he told Hindustan Times.
Kishan admits the competition was tough but is proud that India’s entry made it to the Oscars. “It was about world cinema and we were in competition with everyone And we saw little of that (We couldn’t make it up). However, we are proud that India has entered the Oscars. Udasi to hoti hai because hope was awakened (We had high expectations). It’s a sad day, I learned late when I was in Parliament.”
Chhaya Kadam, who played the role of Manju Mai in the film, expressed her disappointment on this news. “Look, what I do! (Look, what can we do?) I’m really disappointed. We envisioned such big things for our film,” she told News18. However, she is optimistic about India’s chances at next year’s Oscars. “It’s okay. We will continue to fight for all our upcoming films. We will continue to try. Next time, we will go to the Oscars once again and go much further in the competition.
The news of Laapataa Ladies failing to make the Oscars shortlist has sent ripples through the Indian film industry, with many leading figures expressing their disappointment and dismay. Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Cage took to social media to express his displeasure, calling the Missing Ladies a “wrong choice” to represent India at the prestigious award. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta was also dragged into the controversy, questioning the Film Federation of India’s “strike rate” after missing ladies was out of the running.
Interestingly Chaya Kadam, who played a pivotal role in Missing Ladies, is also a part of All We Imagine as Light, which was rejected by the FFI as India’s entry to the Oscars. About this, Chhaya said, ‘I am a part of both the films. For me both Lapata Ladies and All We Imagine as Light are excellent films. Both should have gone to the Oscars.”
Deepak Kumar starrer Sparsh took the news well. He told Hindustan Times, “I have no regrets. Meri Faili Film Ka Oskar Tak Pahuna Hai Mere Liye Bahit Badi Baat Hai (My first film going to the Oscars is a big deal for me),” he said. Sparsh admitted that she would have liked Missing Women to be shortlisted and eventually nominated, but she appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the process. “We put our heart and soul into the film, that’s all we could do. We respect the decision.”
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