Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao Discuss Laapataa Ladies Oscar Campaign And Controversy

In a wide-ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, actor-producer Aamir Khan and director-producer Kiran Rao spoke about their film Laapataa Ladies, which is India’s official submission for the 2025 Oscars. Directed by Rao, who co-produced it with Khan, the Hindi-language dramedy follows the story of two newlywed brides who are accidentally swapped on a train. The duo discussed their experience with the Oscar campaign process, with Khan drawing from his previous efforts for Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, India’s entry for Best International Feature Film in 2001.

Khan revealed that the voting system for foreign-language films has changed over the years, noting that the Academy now has around 8,000 to 10,000 members. When Lagaan was in contention, there were only about 5,000 members.

“There are separate committees for the foreign language category and for the documentary category. The (Academy’s) entire membership doesn’t get involved. Roughly 600 to 800 people sign up to watch these films and then vote,” said Khan.

He recalled how, during Lagaan’s campaign, they were not even allowed to attend screenings themselves. “Your main work is to get the members of the Foreign Language committee to watch your film,” he said.

Given that voters are only required to watch 80% of the submissions, Khan said that ensuring your film doesn’t get overlooked is a critical part of the process.

Rao pointed out how the shift to digital platforms has since levelled the playing field. “Everyone’s films are now online. You don’t have to rely on screenings. What you rely on is the buzz,” she said.

She, however, added that the multitude of online viewing options means it’s still easy for some films to be overlooked. “The surround sound has to be pretty loud. Back then, screenings were the only option, and you relied on word-of-mouth to get people to come,” she said.

She also highlighted how campaigning requires a big budget. “You do screenings regardless of the fact that your film is available online.”

Khan addressed the misconception that Oscar campaigning involves bribery or gifting. “In India, people feel like lobbying means you have to give gifts, etc., but that’s not what you do with an Oscar campaign,” he said.

The duo also addressed the controversy surrounding Laapataa Ladies’ selection as India’s official entry, particularly in light of Payal Kapadia’s Malayalam-language drama All We Imagine As Light winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

“I’m sure it’s a good film, I’ve not seen it,” Khan said. “In any case, we are not (the ones who) select which film goes; it’s not in our hands.”

Rao expressed surprise and gratitude at Laapataa Ladies’ selection: “I was surprised when we were chosen, delighted and really honoured. We had no hand in it, so we were really happy that we were chosen. It must have been a difficult choice because there were such good films — Payal’s was one, Aattam I heard great things about. There were 29 films to choose from. They probably had their reasons to choose us, and in such a situation, we can only be grateful to be chosen.”

Rao also celebrated the success of her fellow filmmaker, adding, “I feel really proud — Payal’s film is going to be in the running for Best Picture anyway. It’s a great moment for women from India.”