New Delhi: The Kiran Rao-directed film Laapataa Ladies (2023) has been selected as India’s entry for the 97th Academy Awards. Produced by Aamir Khan, whose 2001 film The river was the last Indian feature to reach the Academy’s final shortlist, the film tells the story of two newly-wed brides who are comically switched during their journey back home.
The film has received a positive response from both audiences and critics for its simplistic yet well-constructed storyline and its straightforward, empowering message. In addition to Kiran Rao’s nuanced storytelling, the outstanding performances of the young cast also play a significant role in the film’s success.
Cast of Laapataa Ladies
Let’s take a look at some of the actors whose exceptional performances bring this tale of two lost women to life:
Sparsh Shrivastava
Sparsh Shrivastava plays the role of Deepak Kumar, who accidentally exchanges his bride, Phool Kumari, with another woman. His rise to fame began with the dance reality TV show Chak Dhoom Dhoomfollowed by several appearances in films and television. One of his earliest commercial roles was in the TV series Girlfriend.
Nitanshi Goel
Nitanshi Goel portrays Phool Kumari, one of the film’s female leads. She has appeared as a child actress in numerous TV shows and films, including love (2017) and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016). Her path to fame started after she won the Miss Pantaloons Junior Fashion Icon 2015 title.
Pratibha Ranta
Pratibha Ranta plays the role of Pushpa, an educated, ambitious, and intelligent young woman who is forcefully married to an abusive man. She made her acting debut in the TV show sacrifice happened (2020).
Ravi Kishan
Ravi Kishan plays the role of police officer Shyam Manohar, who plays a pivotal role in Pushpa’s journey to freedom. He is a well-known television personality and a prominent figure in Bhojpuri cinema. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament, he has also produced and appeared in numerous Kannada and Tamil films.
Shadow Kadam
Chhaya Kadam plays Manju Maai, who runs a tea stall at the railway station where Phool Kumari becomes stranded. She has predominantly appeared in Marathi films. Apart from Laapataa Ladiesher most notable role was in the 2022 film Gangubai Kathiawadi.
durgesh kumar
Durgesh Kumar portrays Constable Jaiprakash Dubey, who accompanies Officer Shyam Manohar in investigating the case of Pushpa, also known as Jaya. Known for his role as Bhushan in the web series Panchayathe made his film debut in Highway (2014).
Is this the film that will finally fulfil the nation’s dream of bringing home an Oscar for Best Foreign Film? That remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Laapataa Ladies is receiving the recognition it deserves.
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