Notable women directors whose films represented India at the Oscars

For many filmmakers and on-screen talents, competing at the Oscars is a dream come true. Over the years, India has submitted numerous entries for consideration in the Best International Film category, yet only three have achieved nomination status: Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay (1988), and Lagaan (2001). This year, Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies has been chosen by the Film Federation of India to represent the country at the 97th Oscars, scheduled for March next year.
With Laapataa Ladies entering the Oscar race, Kiran Rao becomes only the eighth female director in Indian cinema to have a film at this prestigious global event. To date, India has submitted 57 films to the Oscars, with only eight directed by women.


Mira Nair made history as the first female filmmaker to have her film officially submitted as India’s entry to the Oscars. Her groundbreaking film Salaam Bombay (1988) not only represented India but also made a significant impact on global cinema, reaching the top five in the Best Foreign Film category at the 61st Academy Awards. Although it ultimately lost to Denmark's Pelle the Conqueror, Nair's achievement paved the way for future filmmakers, showcasing the potential of Indian cinema on an international stage.

In 1993, Kalpana Lajmi's film Lajja was selected as India's official entry for the 66th Academy Awards. While the film addressed important social themes, it did not secure a nomination, highlighting the challenges Indian films face in competing for recognition at the Oscars.

Deepa Mehta's film Earth (1998), featuring Aamir Khan, was submitted for Oscar consideration in 1999. Despite its critical acclaim and powerful storytelling, the film did not receive a nomination from the Academy, underscoring the competitive nature of the awards.

Peepli Live, directed by Anusha Rizvi and produced by Aamir Khan Productions, was India’s official entry for the 2010 Oscars. This satirical film, which addressed issues of rural poverty and media sensationalism, captured attention but ultimately did not make it to the nomination list.

In 2014, Geetu Mohandas' debut film Liar's Dice was submitted as India's entry for the 87th Academy Awards. The film, which tells a poignant story of a woman searching for her missing husband, was well-received but did not receive a nomination.

Rima Das directed Village Rockstars, which represented India at the Oscars in 2018. This Assamese coming-of-age drama follows a 10-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a rock star. Despite its heartwarming narrative and critical acclaim, it did not earn a nomination.

In 2019, Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, was submitted for Oscar consideration. The film, inspired by the lives of street rappers in Mumbai, received widespread acclaim but was also not nominated, reflecting the intense competition within the Oscars landscape.
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