From 'Dhobi Ghat' to 'Laapataa Ladies': Kiran Rao Reflects on Her Return to Direction and What’s Next

Laapataa Ladies, one of the most talked-about films of 2024, marked filmmaker Kiran Rao’s much-awaited comeback after 13 years since her directorial debut, Dhobi Ghat (2011). Starring newcomers Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Pratibha Ranta, alongside seasoned actors Ravi Kishan and Chhaya Kadam, the film stood out for its heartfelt narrative, steering clear of melodrama.

Co-produced by superstar Aamir Khan, who is also Rao’s ex-husband, Laapataa Ladies garnered rave reviews and was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, though it didn’t secure a nomination. Despite this, the film made the nation proud and etched its name in cinematic history.

Reflecting on how the project reached her, Kiran shared during a recent roundtable discussion with RJ Rohini, “Aamir told me one line of the story, because he was on the jury of a screenwriting competition.” She added, “That one line was just so compelling that I was like, I want to do this, really badly. And I was really lucky that he offered it to me, to make. And I had been struggling a little bit like one ‘Laapataa Lady’ myself for so many years, trying to write and not kind of finding the right story to make my second film with, so… yeah! I mean, I think back to that day quite often.”

Fans eager for her next project can rejoice as Kiran confirmed that it won’t take another 13 years. “Lot’s of things that I have been cooking. I don’t know what will come to the boil first,” teased the filmmaker, hinting that she is currently in the writing phase.

The wait for Kiran Rao’s next creative venture has officially begun, and the audience is ready to witness what she serves up next!