Kiran Rao on casting newcomers in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ instead of big stars and taking sabbatical from direction: ‘It worked in our favor’ | Hindi Movie News – Times of India

Director Kiran Rao made headlines for her latest film ‘Laapataa Ladies’, which has become India’s official entry to the Oscars. In a recent chat, she shared why she did not cast any leading actors for the narration but instead chose talented newcomers.
While speaking to India Today at a recent event, Kiran Rao explained her decision to cast newcomers rather than established actors in her film, highlighting that the story resonated with her as it centers on two girls searching for freedom and finding their voice.Rao expresses her passion for telling women’s stories, emphasizing the need for more representation of women as storytellers, producers, and actors in the industry. She notes her focus on women’s experiences and mentions that future projects will likely continue to feature strong female characters.

She believed that keeping the story grounded and organic would make it more believable and enjoyable for the audience. Casting fresh faces helped viewers forget they were watching actors, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the story. This approach ultimately worked in their favor, as the audience responded positively to the authenticity of the experience. “That’s one of the things the audience responded to the most,” she added.
Kiran Rao discussed her break from directing, explaining that it wasn’t due to a lack of work but because she wasn’t fully satisfied with her writing during that period. She also mentioned that much of her time was devoted to being a mother, which brought her great fulfillment. Producing films allowed her to stay connected to the industry while balancing her personal life.
She further shared that work on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ began in 2018, marking seven years since her last film was released. She emphasized that while women often pride themselves on multitasking, they should feel empowered to ask for help and take breaks to focus on their passions, like directing. Rao acknowledged the sense of responsibility many women feel to ensure their family’s well-being, advocating for the importance of self-care and seeking support in pursuing their creative endeavors.
‘Laapataa Ladies’ features Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava in key roles. It has been produced by actor and director Aamir Khan. It is now India’s official entry to the 97th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.