Chhaya Kadam reacts to Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies Oscar entry and the snub for All We Imagine As Light: 'Happy but sad for Payal Kapadia’s film'
etimes.in | Sep 24, 2024, 09.58 AM IST
Actor Chhaya Kadam, who portrayed the character of Manju Mai in ‘Laapataa Ladies’, said she is extremely happy over the film's official entry in Oscar 2025. The actress also mentioned she is currently in Paris for the premiere of ‘All We Imagine As Light’, the film for which she won the Grand Prix. The film, too, was competing in the Oscars race, however, couldn't win an entry.
During a conversation with India Today Digital, Chhaya Kadam talked about the Oscar entry for ‘Laapataa Ladies'. She shared, "I am very happy and excited. What more can I say? It is a moment of pride for me that our film, Laapataa Ladies, got selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars. On the other hand, my other film, All We Imagine As Light, was also shortlisted by France as a potential submission for the Oscars 2025. I have come to Paris right now for the premiere."
Chhaya Kadam's ‘All We Imagine As Light’ may not have won an Oscar, but it did take home a Grand Prix at Cannes in 2024. She responded to criticism that the movie wasn't officially chosen as an Oscar 2025 entry. "I am happy for Laapataa Ladies but at the same time I am feeling a little bad for Payal’s film as well. Now this decision has been taken by the biggies at Film Federation so I have no say in it. I would have loved to see both the films at Oscars", she said.
Kadam also talked about the love that Majnu Mai, her character in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ received.
She said that the first thing that comes to her mind when she reflects on Manju Mai, her character, is how individuals have approached her to express how the character inspires and encourages them. Even in her role as Chhaya, the character imparted significant lessons during the shooting process. While she has always possessed a strong disposition, she believes that portraying Manju Mai has further enhanced her strength Additionally, she acknowledges that Manju Mai was a character with relatively limited screen time, yet the audience elevated its significance.
Chhaya Kadam also revealed that she congratulated her ‘Laapataa Ladies’ director Kiran Rao on the film's making it to the Oscars. She shared, "I actually called Kiran yesterday to congratulate her because someone told me that Laapataa Ladies has been selected as the official entry from India for Oscar yesterday."
Kadam further added that Kiran informed her that a decision had not yet been made. The call was subsequently disconnected, and she sent her a message stating that, although nothing had been decided, she should enjoy the premiere. She replied in Marathi, expressing that they would attend the Oscars this time. Upon receiving this news, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness.
Laapataa Ladies prevailed over films like Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Srikanth’, Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Sam Bahadur’, Prabhas's ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Prabhas, Kartik Aaryan's Chandu Champion, National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and others.
During a conversation with India Today Digital, Chhaya Kadam talked about the Oscar entry for ‘Laapataa Ladies'. She shared, "I am very happy and excited. What more can I say? It is a moment of pride for me that our film, Laapataa Ladies, got selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars. On the other hand, my other film, All We Imagine As Light, was also shortlisted by France as a potential submission for the Oscars 2025. I have come to Paris right now for the premiere."
Chhaya Kadam's ‘All We Imagine As Light’ may not have won an Oscar, but it did take home a Grand Prix at Cannes in 2024. She responded to criticism that the movie wasn't officially chosen as an Oscar 2025 entry. "I am happy for Laapataa Ladies but at the same time I am feeling a little bad for Payal’s film as well. Now this decision has been taken by the biggies at Film Federation so I have no say in it. I would have loved to see both the films at Oscars", she said.
Kadam also talked about the love that Majnu Mai, her character in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ received.
She said that the first thing that comes to her mind when she reflects on Manju Mai, her character, is how individuals have approached her to express how the character inspires and encourages them. Even in her role as Chhaya, the character imparted significant lessons during the shooting process. While she has always possessed a strong disposition, she believes that portraying Manju Mai has further enhanced her strength Additionally, she acknowledges that Manju Mai was a character with relatively limited screen time, yet the audience elevated its significance.
Chhaya Kadam also revealed that she congratulated her ‘Laapataa Ladies’ director Kiran Rao on the film's making it to the Oscars. She shared, "I actually called Kiran yesterday to congratulate her because someone told me that Laapataa Ladies has been selected as the official entry from India for Oscar yesterday."
Kadam further added that Kiran informed her that a decision had not yet been made. The call was subsequently disconnected, and she sent her a message stating that, although nothing had been decided, she should enjoy the premiere. She replied in Marathi, expressing that they would attend the Oscars this time. Upon receiving this news, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness.
Laapataa Ladies prevailed over films like Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Srikanth’, Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Sam Bahadur’, Prabhas's ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Prabhas, Kartik Aaryan's Chandu Champion, National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and others.