Our Bureau
Los Angeles, CA
As every film maker, director or actor dreams of winning an Oscar award, it is pertinent to note that this year’s Indian official entry for Best International Film at the 2025 Academy Awards is Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies).
Kiran Rao is a filmmaker, producer, and writer. Her career began working as an assistant director on acclaimed films such as Lagaan (2001), nominated for an Academy Award, and Monsoon Wedding (2001), which received a Golden Globe nomination. These early experiences laid the foundation for her own directorial debut.
Kiran directed her debut feature Dhobi Ghat. As a producer, Kiran has championed some of the most successful and critically praised Hindi films in recent years. Her credits include Dangal (2016), Peepli Live (2010), Delhi Belly (2011), and Secret Superstar (2017), films that have not only achieved critical acclaim but were also major box-office success.
In addition to her work in film, Kiran is deeply committed to social issues. In 2016, she co-founded the Paani Foundation, a non-profit organization working with farmers in Maharashtra, India, on drought prevention, watershed management, and sustainable agriculture.
Jyoti Deshpande and Actor Aamir Khan joined the Q&A session with Kiran Rao, which was moderated by Priya Jaikumar. As President of Media & Content Business at Reliance Industries Ltd, Jyoti Deshpande has been instrumental in the emergence of Jio Studios as a content powerhouse in the industry
Leading Indian American and Jain Social Group Beverly Hills Founder & President Rajendra Vora welcomed Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao in lovely Los Angeles. He congratulated both of them and proudly claimed that Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) will be short listed for sure. The screening in Los Angeles was a houseful show.
The Programming director Alex Ago did a wonderful job in hosting and conducting Q&A. Also, Vineesha Arora-Sarin provided information about WISE organization.
