Fourteen years after her directorial debut with Dhobi Ghat, Kiran Rao returns to the director’s chair with her sophomore venture, Laapataa Ladies, hitting theaters today. While she may have been off-screen, Rao’s presence has remained significant, whether as the Chairperson of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival or as the co-producer and former wife of actor Aamir Khan. Now, with Laapataa Ladies, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and storytelling.
In an exclusive interview, Rao opens up about her journey, admitting to feeling “laapataa” (lost) without intending to be. She reflects on the frustration of waiting for the right project while remaining immersed in the world of storytelling. However, she acknowledges that the wait has allowed her to evolve and refine her craft, gaining a better command over her skills as a filmmaker.
Laapataa Ladies, Rao’s latest directorial venture, explores themes of identity and self-discovery through the story of two rural brides whose lives intersect due to a veil swap, leading them on a journey of unexpected twists and turns. The veil serves as a metaphor, symbolizing both the limitations and revelations that come with obscured vision.
Rao’s own journey mirrors the themes of her film. She acknowledges that her vision was once limited by the constraints of the film institute mentality. Despite having made significant strides in Bollywood as an Assistant Director with Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan, it took her nine years to make her directorial debut with Dhobi Ghat, a departure from the epic scale of Lagaan.
Through Laapataa Ladies, Rao breaks free from the constraints of expectations and embraces her unique storytelling voice. Her journey from Dhobi Ghat to Laapataa Ladies reflects her evolution as a filmmaker and her unwavering commitment to authenticity and storytelling.
As Laapataa Ladies graces the silver screen, audiences eagerly anticipate Rao’s exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the transformative power of storytelling. With each frame, she invites viewers on a journey of introspection and revelation, proving that sometimes, being “laapataa” is the first step towards finding oneself.
