Ravi Kishan on Laapataa Ladies as India's Oscar entry: It represents real India

Actor Ravi Kishan expressed his happiness and excitement over Laapataa Ladies becoming India's official entry to the Oscars 2025. In an exclusive interview with us, he recalled his shooting experience and explained why the film belongs to the "real India".

In Short

• Laapataa Ladies is India's official entry to Oscars 2025
• Ravi Kishan expressed excitement over the news
• He said the film represents real India and women empowerment

Actor Ravi Kishan, who played an important role in Laapataa Ladies, expressed his excitement over the film getting nominated as India's official entry to the Oscars 2025. The Kiran Rao-directorial beat 28 films to top the list and was sent to the Academy to compete in the Best International Feature Film in a foreign language category.

In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Ravi, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) from Gorakhpur, called Laapataa Ladies a film that "represents the real India". He added that he is sure about its win during the final ceremony at the Oscars. " I am so excited and happy. I just got the news and have been constantly getting calls," he said.

The 55-year-old actor talked about what this honour really means to him. He said, "It's a dream-come-true moment for me. It's the biggest honour and I never thought we would reach this far. It's the best and biggest news of my life. This film is a reflection of India and depicts women empowerment in the most beautiful way. Bharat ki film hai yeh (This film represents the real India). I am very confident that it will win and bring the trophy to the country."

The popular Bhojpuri star played the role of cop Shyam Manohar in Laapataa Ladies. He expressed his gratitude to the audience for giving so much to love his character. He shared a little anecdote and said, "Aamir Khan wanted to do the role but Kiran ji wanted me to play the part. Hence, I am thankful to both of them as Aamir produced it and Kiran was the captain of the ship. All the credit goes to Kiran Rao and her writers."

He added, "There were just four prime characters in the film but how beautifully everything revolved around them. It has been written and directed in the best way."

"Kiran was apprehensive about working with a politician"

Ravi went on to recall that he shot for the film in hot weather and would make quick trips from his parliament visits to the sets of the film. "I do remember that it was very hot during the shoot, and I would often travel to the set from the Parliament. Kiran Rao was also apprehensive that she was working with a politician," he said.

The actor continued, "Apart from the way the character came across initially, she was also worried that I might have tantrums. She is a patient director and everything went so smoothly. We really had a fun time. I am really so happy with this honour."

Apart from Ravi, the film also featured Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta and Sparsh Shrivastava, among others. Laapataa Ladies was released on March 1 in theatres. However, it gained a newfound popularity after its release on Netflix in April.