After Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s Oscar entry, director Kiran Rao has been busy with the film’s Oscar campaign. In a chat with us, the filmmaker spoke about the film’s Oscar campaign and how it’s heartening to see its global recognition.

Ask her how the campaign is going so far, and Kiran shares, “We’re just taking one step at a time, and I am grateful for both the opportunity, as well as the fact that the film is able to spark conversations around womanhood, gender parity and the need for self discovery.”

For Kiran Rao, the Oscar campaign has been a truly exciting journey so far. “We’re trying to share the film with as many people as possible and connect with a diverse audience. There’s a lot of work that goes into it behind the scenes, but it’s been heartening to see the kind of interest and appreciation the film is getting on the global stage,” she says.

More than recognition, the joy of sharing the film with a wider audience matters to Kiran. She says, “At this point, I think the journey is a blend of strategy, belief, hard work, and a whole lot of magic. For me, it’s been a great learning experience. I’ve met so many incredible people and been part of some very insightful conversations. While this is my first, I am grateful to have Aamir (Khan) by my side who has done this multiple times earlier.”

Talking about the reactions to the film, she says, “Laapataa Ladies is still running in Japan, and I’ve been receiving wonderful DMs and emails, with audience reactions. It is overwhelming and very humbling. Audiences are really connecting with the story, which feels so personal, yet universal.”

For any film selected as an official entry for Oscars having a presence on streaming platforms is an added advantage.

Kiran says, “In a world where content is available on phones and tablets, I think, a film’s presence on streaming platforms is absolutely crucial. These platforms provide wonderful reach and accessibility, allowing people all over the world to watch a film at their own convenience. They break down barriers in terms of geography and allow films to reach audiences that might not have had the chance to see them otherwise. For an Oscar campaign, this is incredibly valuable.”