In a recent chat with Hauterrfly, Kiran Rao, the person behind the great movie Laapataa Ladies, shared her thoughts on feminism and making films with a feminist touch. Talking about the themes of the film and the aspect of feminism in it, Kiran had some really interesting things to say, talking about understanding others and why everyone should care about feminism and gender neutrality, no matter who they are.
Laapata Ladies Director Kiran Rao firmly believes that anyone can be a feminist, emphasising the innate human ability to empathise with others. “Absolutely, I do think they can,” she asserted when questioned about whether men can truly be feminists. “The fact is that people across the board…are capable of being…that’s one of the beauties of our species,” she added, highlighting the inherent potential for empathy within each individual.
The essence of equality is a central theme in Kiran’s vision of feminism. “We should have equality as something that we all aspire towards,” she added, emphasising that men, in particular, should actively champion feminist ideals. “Men much more than us,” she adds, acknowledging the pivotal role men play in advancing gender equality.
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Interestingly, Kiran Rao underscores the gender-neutral nature of storytelling, challenging the notion that only individuals who have experienced certain struggles firsthand can authentically portray them. She says, “I might see things differently because I’m a woman, but anyone can tell these stories.” She thinks it’s important to understand and observe. She says, “I suppose I could bring a certain perspective to it that a man couldn’t,” talking about her own experiences as a woman. But she also says, “This film (Laapataa Ladies) could have been made by a man,” showing that storytelling isn’t limited by gender.
Kiran Rao believes feminism isn’t just about men and women. Kiran added, “I feel like there are enough sensitive champions of women, whether they’re male, female, or non-binary.” Kiran also talked about the importance for everyone to work together to change things. Talking about where film Laapataa Ladies came from, Kiran Rao says it’s a team effort. She added, “The original story was written by a man. Which goes to show that it’s a beautiful feminist story. ”
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Kiran Rao’s directorial prowess extends beyond mere storytelling; her film Laapataa Ladies serves as a powerful critique of societal norms. “It lifts the veil on a lot of social issues,” she explains, underscoring the film’s role in unmasking patriarchal structures with humour and nuance.
Laapataa Ladies shows how Kiran Rao tackles important social issues with grace and honesty. We loved the movie because of its deep and powerful storytelling and the fantastic actors, making it a must-watch for anyone who wants to be entertained and ponder.