Mumbai: Filmmaker Kiran Rao, whose film Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) has been selected as India’s official submission for the Oscars 2025, recently engaged in a fireside chat at the London School of Economics (LSE).

During the event, Kiran participated in a lively discussion with Professor Shakuntala Banaji, an expert in Media, Culture, and Social Change, along with Sanam Arora, Founder and Chairperson of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU). She shared her thoughts on pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema and how storytelling can drive social change.

In the session, Kiran highlighted how Laapataa Ladies addresses themes of identity, empowerment, and sisterhood, all presented with a satirical and humorous touch. The conversation left a strong impression on the students, providing a unique insight into her creative process and her approach to making films that leave a lasting impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Kiran Rao said, “I am truly pleased to have had the opportunity to meet and interact with students at the London School of Economics and from universities across the UK through NISAU. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were inspiring. The discussion reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of storytelling to connect communities and spark change.”

Kiran has been in London this week, joined by Jyoti Deshpande, Head of Jio Studios, as part of the film’s screenings and promotional activities. Laapataa Ladies has also been released in Japan, where it continues to receive positive feedback from both critics and audiences.

Produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande, Laapataa Ladies is presented by Jio Studios and directed by Kiran Rao. The film is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami, with screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai, and additional dialogues by Divyanidhi Sharma.