IIFA Awards 2025: “Laapataa Ladies” Reigns Supreme, Kartik Aaryan Takes Home Best Actor Trophy

IIFA Awards 2025

Jaipur was awash with starlight as the 25th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards concluded in a dazzling ceremony, celebrating the best of Bollywood. This year, Kiran Rao’s heartwarming social drama, “Laapataa Ladies,” emerged as the night’s big winner, sweeping an impressive 10 awards, while Kartik Aaryan’s performance in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” earned him the coveted Best Actor title.   The two-day extravaganza, held on March 8th and 9th, 2025, in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, witnessed a confluence of cinematic brilliance, electrifying performances, and emotional moments. The event commenced with the IIFA Digital Awards, honoring excellence in OTT platforms, followed by the grand film awards ceremony that captivated audiences worldwide.   “Laapataa Ladies” Triumphs Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies,” a film that resonated deeply with audiences for its sensitive portrayal of rural India and its powerful message of female empowerment, dominated the awards, securing wins in key categories. The film’s accolades included:   Kartik Aaryan’s Stellar Performance Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal in “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” garnered him the Best Actor award, solidifying his position as one of Bollywood’s leading stars. His performance was widely praised for its versatility and charisma.   Other Notable Wins The IIFA Awards also celebrated other outstanding contributions to Indian cinema: A Night of Star-Studded Performances The awards ceremony was punctuated by captivating performances from some of Bollywood’s biggest names. Highlights included: The IIFA Awards 2025 served as a testament to the vibrancy and creativity of the Indian film industry, honoring the talent and dedication of those who bring stories to life on the silver screen.

“Indian Films Laapataa Ladies”: Hansal Mehta Slams FFI’s “Strike Rate” After “Laapataa Ladies” Exits Oscars Race

Laapataa Ladies

Mumbai, December 18, 2024 – The Indian film industry is once again in mourning after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced its shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, excluding Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” from the final race. This news has sparked a wave of disappointment and criticism, with filmmaker Hansal Mehta taking to social media to express his frustration and lambast the Film Federation of India (FFI) for their “abysmal strike rate” in selecting Oscar entries.   Laapataa Ladies: A Story of Lost and Found Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies,” a heartwarming comedy-drama, follows the journey of two brides accidentally swapped on a train. The film, starring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava, had garnered positive reviews for its lighthearted humor, endearing characters, and thought-provoking social commentary. Despite its commercial success, the film’s failure to make the Oscars shortlist has left many in the industry questioning the FFI’s selection process.   Hansal Mehta’s Outburst Director Hansal Mehta, known for his critically acclaimed films like “Citylights” and “Aligarh,” took to Twitter to express his disappointment and frustration. He questioned the FFI’s selection criteria and their “abysmal strike rate” in the Oscars race. Mehta’s tweet sparked a heated debate on social media, with many echoing his sentiments and calling for a change in the selection process.   The FFI’s Selection Process: A Matter of Concern? The FFI’s selection process for the Oscars has often been criticized for its lack of transparency and objectivity. The committee, comprising members from various sectors of the film industry, selects the official entry based on a set of criteria, including artistic merit, cultural significance, and public appeal. However, the lack of clear guidelines and the subjective nature of the selection process have often led to controversies and accusations of bias. A Call for Change Many filmmakers and industry experts have called for a more transparent and inclusive selection process. Suggestions include forming a jury of international film critics and festival programmers, conducting public screenings of shortlisted films, and increasing representation from diverse regions and languages. The Road Ahead Despite the setback, “Laapataa Ladies” continues to be a testament to the power of Indian cinema. The film’s heartwarming story and strong performances have resonated with audiences worldwide, and its exclusion from the Oscars race does not diminish its significance. As the Indian film industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to have a selection process that reflects the diversity and richness of Indian cinema and ensures that the best films get the recognition they deserve on the global stage. Updated Information: The exclusion of “Laapataa Ladies” from the Oscars race has reignited the debate on the FFI’s selection process and the representation of Indian cinema on the global stage. While the film’s journey may have ended, it has sparked a much-needed conversation about the need for a more transparent, inclusive, and objective selection process that reflects the true diversity and richness of Indian cinema.

‘Laapataa Ladies’ renamed to ‘Lost Ladies’ for Oscars Campaign

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao's 'Laapataa Ladies' Gets a New Name Ahead of Oscars Campaign

In a strategic move to enhance its global appeal, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao’s production house has decided to change the title of their film “Laapataa Ladies” to “Lost Ladies.” The film has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars and this title change is part of the film’s Oscar campaign strategy. The announcement was made on the production house’s Instagram handle, along with a stunning new poster featuring the film’s lead characters, Phool and Jaya. The poster captures the essence of the film’s adventurous journey, promising a captivating cinematic experience. The decision to change the title to “Lost Ladies” is believed to be a strategic move to make the film more accessible to international audiences. The new title is more concise and evocative, and it effectively conveys the film’s central theme of two women who go missing in the heart of rural India. “Laapataa Ladies,” directed by Kiran Rao, is a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery. The film stars Sparsh Shrivastav and Ravi Kishan in pivotal roles. It premiered at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. With the new title and a strong Oscar campaign, “Lost Ladies” is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage. Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao are known for their commitment to quality cinema, and “Lost Ladies” is yet another example of their dedication to storytelling that transcends borders. ALSO READ: Ananya Panday ‘bikini bod’ stuns Suhana Khan