Laapataa Ladies: Chhaya Kadam, also known as Manju Mai, speaks out on the controversy surrounding the absence of women on the jury for Oscars 2025; ‘Understanding a film is more important…’
The selection of Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies for the Oscars 2025 sparked controversy due to the absence of women in the selection jury. Furthermore, The Film Federation of India received criticism from internet users for describing Indian women as a ‘strange mix of submission and dominance’ in relation to their choice of Laapataa Ladies. In response, Chhaya Kadam emphasized the importance of film connoisseurs making such decisions.
In a recent interview with News 18 Showsha, Chhaya Kadam shared her perspective, stating, “We are people from the film industry. It is crucial that film experts make these selections, regardless of their gender. Understanding the film is more important than anything else,” she expressed.
The Madgaon Express actress also expressed her joy at the selection of Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Nitanshi Goel’s film as India’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards. She believes that this recognition will allow more people to watch the film.
“But I truly believe that Laapataa Ladies should receive an Oscar, and I have a feeling that it will happen,” she added.
It is important to note that Laapataa Ladies was chosen out of 29 films. Chhaya’s film All We Imagine As Light was also in contention but did not make the final cut. Despite this, Chhaya expressed her excitement for both films and her confidence in her Cannes-winning film’s chances.
She also praised All We Imagine As Light’s director Payal Kapadia and congratulated the team behind Kiran Rao’s film.
Produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, Laapataa Ladies was showcased at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, where it received a standing ovation. The film was later released in theaters and on the OTT platform, Netflix.
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