Aamir Khan's production, Laapataa Ladies, was India's official entry for the Oscars 2025 but did not make it to the final shortlist. The actor has now addressed the film’s exit, sharing his thoughts on the tough competition at the Academy Awards. Speaking at the Ideas of India Summit 2025, Aamir reacted to Laapataa Ladies missing out on an Oscar nomination. He explained, "Kami toh kahin nahi thi. Lekin humein yeh yaad rakhna chahiye ki jab ek film Foreign Language category mein compete karti hai, toh duniya ke jitne desh hai, 80-85 countries had sent their entries, so every country is sending their best film. So, competition is the toughest competition."
Aamir pointed out the film's exclusion wasn’t due to any shortcomings. The competition for the International Feature Film category is significantly more intense than other Oscar categories. “We have to understand there are other films which are more liked by members. This doesn’t mean our film isn’t good; it just means the members preferred the other films,” he added. This perspective emphasizes the highly subjective nature of film selection.
Directed by Kiran Rao and backed by Aamir Khan Productions, Laapataa Ladies is a comedy-drama featuring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan. The plot revolves around two newlywed brides who are mistakenly exchanged during a train trip to their husbands' homes. Although the film struggled at the box office, it received newfound appreciation after its release on Netflix, becoming immensely popular among viewers and critics alike.
When Laapataa Ladies was announced as India’s official Oscar submission, reactions were mixed. While some audience members expressed excitement, others believed Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light should have represented India instead. Aamir, speaking candidly about the nature of cinema and the Oscars, remarked, “It’s how the subjective nature of filmmaking works; different members will enjoy different films.”
The film's ability to resonate with audiences reflects the unique storytelling and performances it offers, highlighting why it gained traction on streaming platforms. Aamir’s comments about not taking the Oscars snub too seriously serve to provide reassurance to fans of Laapataa Ladies.
Even with the disappointment surrounding the Oscars, Aamir’s positive stance encapsulates the spirit of filmmaking—the appreciation of diversity and differing tastes within the medium. His calm and pragmatic response to the Oscar setback is indicative of his confidence not only in the film itself but also the broader narrative of storytelling across cultures.
The release of Laapataa Ladies on Netflix may have enhanced its reputation beyond initial box office numbers. It marks the film as part of a notable moment within Indian cinema where narratives are being crafted not solely for awards but for genuine audience engagement. The global cinema community continues to grow and evolve, finding ways to blend local stories with universal themes.
To conclude, Aamir Khan’s reflections on the Oscars and Laapataa Ladies illuminate the complex nature of success and recognition within the film industry—showcasing challenges but also the joys of storytelling and the potential for films to touch audiences worldwide, regardless of award nominations.