Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has expressed her support for Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, despite her own film, All We Imagine As Light, not being selected. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Kapadia shared her reflections on the nomination and the financial dynamics that influence such choices in the film industry.
Kapadia congratulated Rao on the Oscar selection, stating, “I’m genuinely happy for Laapataa Ladies.” Recognizing the importance of having the resources to support a film’s Oscar campaign, she referred to the nomination as a “sensible choice” given the competitive nature of the awards. “The Oscar race is a complex space that often requires financial backing,” Kapadia commented, adding, “It’s something I’m still learning about.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Kapadia acknowledged the challenges of creating All We Imagine As Light, which she developed over five years without private funding, relying solely on grants. The film’s screening at Cannes 2024 was a rewarding milestone, she noted, saying, “For me, the fact that the film got made and reached Cannes has been more than enough.”
Addressing rumors about Aamir Khan’s potential support influencing Laapataa Ladies’ nomination, Kapadia remarked on the positive impact of financial backing, especially in the Oscars’ competitive landscape. She concluded, “It’s a whole other ball game, and I’m learning a lot from this experience.”
