Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been officially selected as India’s entry for the Oscars 2025, sparking excitement among the film’s cast and crew. However, the decision has also stirred debate, with some questioning why Payal Kapadia’s critically acclaimed All We Imagine As Light was overlooked. Despite the controversy, actor Sparsh Shrivastava, who plays a key role in the film, chooses to focus on the positive.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sparsh expressed his joy at the news and highlighted the importance of celebrating this milestone, as the film is set to represent India on a global stage. The actor, known for his role as Deepak Kumar in Laapataa Ladies, revealed that he was in his hometown of Agra when he learned about the selection.

 

 

 

 

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“When the news was announced, I was in the middle of a conversation when my phone started buzzing non-stop. Friends, media contacts, and then Romil Modi, our casting director, called me,” Sparsh shared. “Romil said, ‘Brother, we’re going to the Oscars.’ We had been talking about whether it would happen, and when it did, it was magical.”

Set in the fictional state of Nirmal Pradesh in 2001, Laapataa Ladies follows the story of two brides who are mistakenly swapped on a train, leading to one being taken home by another's groom while the other is left stranded at a railway station. The film, based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami, stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam.

The cast and crew celebrated the Oscar nomination with an emotional gathering in Mumbai, which Sparsh, unfortunately, missed due to his time in Agra. “The whole team is happy and excited. They had a small celebration, but I wasn’t in Mumbai. I’m looking forward to joining them and hopefully celebrating again when we bring home the trophy,” Sparsh said.

Amid the ongoing debate surrounding Laapataa Ladies' selection over All We Imagine As Light, Sparsh emphasized the importance of supporting the chosen film. “I haven’t seen the other film yet, but I know Romil, who cast for both films. We should celebrate the fact that Laapataa Ladies is going to represent India—it’s one of the best films of 2024, and audiences have shared their love for it,” the actor added.

Now back in Mumbai, Sparsh is eager to reunite with the team and share in the joy of the film’s success. He concluded with a hopeful note, “I can’t wait to give Kiran a big hug and celebrate this momentous occasion.”