Kiran Rao's 'Laapataa Ladies' Selected as India's Oscars Entry Amid Gender Bias Controversy

The Film Federation of India faces backlash for its all-male jury and controversial citation while selecting the film.

Kiran Rao's 'Laapataa Ladies' has been chosen as India's official submission for the 2025 Oscars, marking her return to direction after 13 years.
The film, featuring newcomers Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Srivastava, tells the story of two brides swapped on a train ride.
The Film Federation of India's all-male jury has been criticized for its citation describing Indian women as a 'strange mix of submission and dominance.'
Sneha Desai, the screenwriter of 'Laapataa Ladies,' expressed happiness over the film's selection but acknowledged the citation could have been more carefully worded.
The controversy highlights ongoing gender imbalance in Bollywood, with female creators facing significant challenges in gaining opportunities and support.