Chhaya Kadam on All We Imagine As Light Oscar Disappointment: “I Expected It to Go”
The debate surrounding India’s official selection for the Oscars remains a hot topic, as many continue to question why Payal Kapadia’s acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light was overlooked in favor of Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies. Actress Chhaya Kadam, who played roles in both films, has expressed her “mixed feelings” about the decision, balancing her pride in Laapataa Ladies with disappointment over the exclusion of All We Imagine As Light.
In a candid conversation, Chhaya opened up about the conflicting emotions she feels about the outcome. While she is happy for Laapataa Ladies and its recognition, she admitted that she had high hopes for All We Imagine As Light. Reflecting on the snub, she said, “Jaani toh chahiye thi India se, par ab main kya hi bolu!” (It should have gone from India, but what can I say now!) As an artist, her focus remains on doing good work, but she couldn’t hide her disappointment: “I had an expectation, I won’t lie.”
The actress emphasized that the process behind selecting a film for the Oscars is often shrouded in rules and regulations that many in the industry don’t fully understand. “There are so many rules and regulations behind this selection, one can’t really say. What do we know about what went behind [the scenes]?” she said, suggesting that decisions like these are often complicated and involve many factors beyond the control of artists. “Inke niyamon ke beech mein kya hi padna,” she added, underscoring her view that as an actor, her primary goal is to focus on her craft rather than get caught up in industry politics.
All We Imagine As Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, is an intimate exploration of the complexities of human relationships, told through a unique narrative lens. The film garnered international acclaim, notably receiving the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Chhaya Kadam expressed her gratitude for being part of such a project, revealing how the film has opened doors for her on the global stage. “This film has received so much love at Cannes. Yeh film mujhe duniya ghuma rahi hai (This film is taking me around the world),” she said with pride. Kadam has been attending various film festivals in different countries as part of the promotional journey for the film.
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Despite the Oscar snub, Chhaya is optimistic about the future of All We Imagine As Light, which is set to release in Kerala and France on October 2. She noted that while the film’s release in Kerala may be limited, its international reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and she expects it to perform well in other parts of India once it hits theaters.
Reflecting on her experience working on the film, Chhaya described it as “kamaal” (extraordinary). She appreciated how the unique subject matter allowed her to grow both personally and professionally. “Aise alag subject par kaam karna mujhe bhi bahut acha lagta hai. Some films and characters just change your thinking; they make you mature. Film ek aisa zariyaa hai jo aapko andar se badal deta hai,” she remarked. For Chhaya, working on All We Imagine As Light was a transformative experience that reinforced her passion for taking on challenging, thought-provoking roles.
As for Laapataa Ladies, Chhaya expressed happiness for the recognition it has received, noting that it is an important film in its own right. Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies is a feminist comedy-drama that explores the lives of women navigating societal pressures in rural India. Though proud of both films, Chhaya couldn’t help but feel that All We Imagine As Light had the potential to make an impact on a global scale, especially given its international accolades.
Ultimately, while the disappointment over the Oscar selection lingers, Chhaya Kadam remains grounded in her commitment to good storytelling and artistic integrity. “As an artist, I aim to do good work,” she said, choosing to focus on the positive opportunities her films have brought her rather than dwell on the controversy. With All We Imagine As Light continuing to receive international recognition and Laapataa Ladies carving its own path, Chhaya’s journey in cinema appears to be heading toward new and exciting horizons.
