The recent elimination of Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao‘s ‘Laapataaa Ladies‘ from the race for the 96th Academy Awards sparked a heated online discussion. Notable figures like filmmaker Hansal Mehta and musician Ricky Kej openly questioned the Film Federation of India’s (FFI) decision-making process.
Amidst the controversy, actor-filmmaker Sohum Shah has taken a neutral stance, in a talk with Hindustan Times, dismissing the obsession with Oscars. Shah, who faced a similar situation in 2018 when his critically acclaimed film ‘Tumbbad‘ was overlooked as India’s official entry, emphasized the importance of connecting with audiences over chasing accolades.
“Oscar is not a parameter to tell how a film should be made,” Sohum stated. “It’s an award ceremony with its own preferences and rhythm. Not every film selected at the Oscars is necessarily the greatest. There are equally amazing films that never make it to that stage. What matters most is whether the audience we made the film for has received it well.”
Sohum further highlighted how ‘Tumbbad’s recent re-release in September, which earned over Rs 25 crores, was a more significant achievement for him than any Academy recognition. “For me, the fact that ‘Tumbbad’ became the highest-grossing re-release is a bigger award. I am not a fan of the Oscars,” he remarked.
The debate over ‘Laapataa Ladies’ intensified after some critics suggested ‘All We Imagine As Light’, a Cannes winner and Golden Globe nominee, would have been a more fitting choice for India’s Oscar entry. Addressing this contention, Sohum commented: “The decision is subjective. The jury selected ‘Laapataa Ladies’ based on their sensibilities. They liked it, and that’s why they sent it. It’s not worth overanalyzing.”
Directed by Kiran Rao, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (‘Lost Ladies’) has received good reviews since its release.