Aamir Khan on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Oscars 2025 snub: ‘can you select the better film from ‘Mother India’ and ‘Mughal-e-Azam’?’

Aamir Khan discusses Laapataa Ladies missing Oscars 2025 shortlist, highlighting subjectivity in film selection and competition.

Aamir Khan recently shared his thoughts on Laapataa Ladies failing to make it to the Oscars 2025 shortlist, emphasising the subjectivity of film appreciation. The Kiran Rao directorial was India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category but did not advance in the race.

The exclusion of Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies from the 2025 shortlist had earlier reignited debates about India’s Oscar strategy, especially in comparison to Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light. Kapadia’s Cannes-winning film, had already secured major nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, making it a natural contender in the international feature race. By contrast, Laapataa Ladies was seen by many as a lighter choice in the category, that highlighted a longstanding pattern of selection that critics argue has cost India multiple chances at the Academy Awards.

Speaking at an event organized by ABP Network, Aamir expressed no disappointment over the film’s omission. “It was a beautiful film, and there was no shortage on any front,” he said. He highlighted the intense competition in the category, stating, “This category has the toughest competition in the Oscars. Almost 80-85 countries submit their best films, and selection is ultimately subjective.”

Aamir pointed out that not making the cut doesn’t mean a film isn’t good. “We have to understand that other language films might have been genuinely better, or let me put it this way — films that the members liked better. It doesn’t mean we weren’t good; it just means the members liked the other films more than ours. This is a very subjective decision,” he explained.

Drawing a comparison between two of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films, he questioned, “Now, you tell me— which is the better film between Mother India and Mughal-e-Azam? Which film had better acting? How would you compare?” He added that filmmaking is not a sport with fixed parameters. “These are very personal choices and very difficult to judge. So, don’t take it too seriously.”

Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies narrated the story of two women who mysteriously go missing in a small town, leading to chaos. Despite missing the Oscars shortlist, the film received critical acclaim.