Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao have officially launched the Oscars 2025 campaign for their film Laapataa Ladies (titled Lost Ladies for international audiences) in New York. This light-hearted yet socially impactful comedy, chosen as India’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category, marked its entry into the campaign season with an evening of traditional Indian cuisine at The Bungalow, a popular New York restaurant owned by celebrity chef Vikas Khanna. Videos of the event, which show Aamir and Kiran enjoying the food and mingling with the staff, have gone viral, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the couple’s Oscars campaign journey.
Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies Oscars Campaign
With a warm reception in New York, Aamir and Kiran are setting the stage for a campaign that will require sustained visibility, critical acclaim, and consistent momentum. Laapataa Ladies has already garnered attention in India for its unique storyline and meaningful themes, and its Oscars campaign launch suggests a carefully planned strategy to appeal to an international audience. As part of the evening, Aamir was seen chatting with young chefs, and the event highlighted the cultural pride around the film’s themes. Meanwhile, the newly launched poster also had the title translated from the Hindi Laapataa to Lost.
What is Oscar Campaigning?
Oscar campaigning is a high-stakes, multi-faceted effort that goes far beyond the film’s narrative or artistic merits. Campaigns rely on a blend of media presence, word-of-mouth, screenings, and visibility at influential film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Toronto. These festivals often propel films into the awards spotlight, setting them apart from competing entries. Campaigning also includes pushing for nominations across major critics’ circles and guilds, such as the Screen Actors Guild and the Directors Guild, which carry weight in Academy circles. Ultimately, a successful Oscar campaign builds an emotional narrative around a film, creating a lasting impression on Academy members.
For the unversed, Laapataa Ladies is India’s official entry for Oscars 2025.