Laapataa Ladies out from Oscars 2025 race: Grammy-award winner Ricky Tej calls Aamir Khan-backed film “wrong choice”; says, “We live in a ‘Mainstream Bollywood’ bubble”

December 18, 2024 - 10:47 AM IST

Three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej has expressed disappointment over India’s selection of Laapataa Ladies as the official entry in the Best International Feature Film category for Oscars 2025. Following the announcement that the film failed to make it to the final shortlist of 15 films, Kej took to social media to share his opinion.

Laapataa Ladies out from Oscars 2025 race: Grammy-award winner Ricky Tej calls Aamir Khan-backed film “wrong choice”; says, “We live in a ‘Mainstream Bollywood’ bubble”

Ricky Kej Critiques India’s Oscar Strategy

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kej acknowledged that Laapataa Ladies was a “well-made and entertaining movie” but argued that it was not suitable to represent India at the Academy Awards. “As expected, it lost,” he wrote, reflecting the sentiments of several cinephiles.

The musician elaborated on his concerns about India’s approach to Oscar submissions. “When are we going to realize... year after year... we are choosing the wrong films?” he asked. Kej lamented that India often selects films that cater to a “mainstream Bollywood bubble,” rather than exploring diverse cinematic gems made by uncompromising filmmakers. “Instead, we should just look for good films... low budget or big budget... star or no star... just great artistic cinema,” he concluded.

"Dismissed by Posters": Kej’s View on Presentation

Kej also criticized the presentation of Laapataa Ladies, sharing its official posters and stating that the visuals likely led to its dismissal by Oscar voters. “I am sure most Academy voting members dismissed the film just by looking at these,” he remarked.

So, the @TheAcademy Oscars shortlist is out. #LaapataaLadies is a very well made, entertaining movie (I enjoyed it), but was absolutely the wrong choice to represent India for the best #InternationalFeatureFilm category. As expected, it lost.
When are we going to realize.. year… pic.twitter.com/iWGpSXY1KD
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) December 18, 2024

India’s Oscars 2025 Journey Ends for Laapataa Ladies

Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Laapataa Ladies (submitted as Lost Ladies) tells the story of two brides swapped in rural India during the 1990s. The film featured performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Ravi Kishan. Despite its critical acclaim and engaging storyline, the movie failed to secure a spot on the prestigious shortlist.

Out of 85 entries worldwide, the Academy has selected 15 films for the Best International Feature Film shortlist. India’s Oscar journey, however, has another point of pride in Santosh, a UK-based Hindi film that secured its place on the list as the United Kingdom’s official entry.

Also Read: Aamir Khan-produced Laapataa Ladies OUT from Oscars 2025 race