Sparsh Shrivastava, one of the lead actors in Laapataa Ladies, recently shared his thoughts on the film’s selection as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies was chosen over Payal Kapadia’s critically acclaimed All We Imagine As Light, a decision that sparked debate within the film industry. Despite the controversy, Shrivastava remains focused on celebrating the honor and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to represent India on the global stage.
Reaction to the Big News
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sparsh Shrivastava recounted how he first received the news while in his hometown of Agra. Reflecting on the moment, the actor shared his excitement and disbelief: “When the news was announced, I was in my hometown. I was in the middle of a conversation when my phone started buzzing continuously. My friends were calling me. I was getting calls from media friends. And then the film’s casting director, Romil Modi, called me.”
Shrivastava explained that the casting director broke the news to him by saying, “Brother, we are there in the Oscars.” Just days before, the actor and his colleagues had been discussing the film’s chances of being selected for the prestigious award. “We were not really sure about it. And when it finally happened, it was pretty magical,” he added, expressing his excitement at the thought of Laapataa Ladies reaching the global stage.
About Laapataa Ladies
Set in the fictional state of Nirmal Pradesh in 2001, Laapataa Ladies tells the story of two brides who are accidentally swapped during a train journey. One of the brides is taken home by the wrong groom, while the other is left stranded at a railway station. The film is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami and has been praised for its unique narrative and socio-cultural commentary. Released in March 2024, the film also stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam, with Sparsh Shrivastava playing the role of Deepak Kumar.
While the film’s selection for the Oscars has ignited a wave of excitement among the cast and crew, Shrivastava revealed that he missed the initial celebration in Mumbai. “The whole team is happy and excited about it. It is such a warm feeling. They had a small celebration when the news broke, but I was in Agra. I was like, ‘Damn, I am not in Mumbai for it,’” he said, clearly disappointed to have missed the moment. He remains hopeful for future celebrations, perhaps even after winning the coveted Oscar trophy, adding with enthusiasm, “Now, I’m waiting for the right time for the celebration, maybe when we get the trophy.”
More Read
Addressing the Debate
Despite the euphoria surrounding Laapataa Ladies, the film’s selection over All We Imagine As Light has been met with some criticism. Payal Kapadia’s film, which won accolades at Cannes, was considered a strong contender for India’s Oscar entry. However, the decision to go with Laapataa Ladies instead has led to heated discussions within the film community.
Sparsh Shrivastava, however, is not letting the controversy dampen his spirits. When asked about the debate, he admitted he had not yet seen All We Imagine As Light but expressed respect for both films. He pointed out that Romil Modi, who handled the casting for Laapataa Ladies, had also worked on Kapadia’s film, offering an interesting connection between the two projects.
Speaking about the selection, Shrivastava emphasized the importance of supporting the film that has been chosen to represent India at the Oscars. “Laapataa Ladies is one of the best films of 2024, and that is what the audiences have also shared,” he stated. “We should be fully happy with whatever film is going to the Oscars,” he added, urging people to focus on the positive aspects of the achievement.
Looking Ahead
As Sparsh Shrivastava returns to Mumbai, he is eager to reconnect with his cast and crew. The actor expressed his desire to meet director Kiran Rao and personally congratulate her on the film’s success. “I want to give Kiran a big hug,” he shared, reflecting the camaraderie and joy that has surrounded the Laapataa Ladies team since the announcement.
With Laapataa Ladies set to represent India at the Oscars, Sparsh Shrivastava and the rest of the cast are filled with anticipation and hope. The film’s unique storyline and strong performances have already made it a standout in 2024, and now, all eyes are on how it will fare on the global stage. Whether it ultimately brings home an Oscar or not, Shrivastava remains committed to celebrating this milestone achievement and the recognition it brings to Indian cinema.
