Manashimaya
As the Oscars 2025 approach, Indian actress Chhaya Kadam is navigating a whirlwind of emotions. On the one hand, she is thrilled that Laapataa Ladies, in which she portrays Manju Maai, has been selected as India’s official entry for the prestigious awards. However, her excitement is tinged with disappointment, as her other film, All We Imagine As Light, despite its critical acclaim, did not make the list. In this blog post, we delve into how Chhaya Kadam reflects on her bittersweet journey towards Oscars 2025 and the impact of both films on her career.
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Oscars 2025: Chhaya Kadam Reflects on Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light as she expresses her pride in the selection of Laapataa Ladies for India’s official entry. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, is a unique narrative focusing on the lives of two women in rural India. Chhaya Kadam’s portrayal of Manju Maai, a woman running a tea stall at a railway station, has garnered praise for its authenticity and depth. For Kadam, this film holds immense significance, not just for its story, but for how it brings underrepresented voices from rural India to a global stage.
While Chhaya Kadam celebrates Laapataa Ladies, she also reflects on All We Imagine As Light, a film that has captivated audiences internationally. Directed by Payal Kapadia, this film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and was shortlisted by France for the Oscars. However, it did not cut for India’s submission. Oscars 2025: Chhaya Kadam Reflects on Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light, expressing her mixed emotions. She shares her joy for the recognition Laapataa Ladies is receiving but also her disappointment that All We Imagine As Light missed out on being a contender.
Kadam’s reflections highlight the personal connection she has to both films. Laapataa Ladies, produced by Jio Studios and Aamir Khan Productions, is a satirical tale of identity, while All We Imagine As Light is a poignant story of two Malayali nurses living in Mumbai. Chhaya Kadam was seen in the role of Parvaty, bringing life to the struggles and hopes of women in India’s healthcare system. In Oscars 2025: Chhaya Kadam Reflects on Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light, her emotional journey is evident as she balances pride in her accomplishments with a sense of what could have been.
As Chhaya Kadam reflects on Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light, she emphasises the importance of diverse Indian stories making it to global platforms like the Oscars. For Laapataa Ladies, its selection marks a significant moment for Indian cinema, particularly films that focus on rural life and women’s issues. At the same time, All We Imagine As Light holds a unique place in history as the first Indian film in 30 years to compete at Cannes under a female director, further showcasing the growing prominence of Indian talent on the international stage.
In conclusion, Oscars 2025: Chhaya Kadam Reflects on Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light encapsulates the emotional journey of an actress whose work has brought Indian stories to global attention. While Laapataa Ladies continues to garner accolades, the absence of All We Imagine As Light from India’s Oscar entry is a reminder of the complexities in film recognition. Nevertheless, Chhaya Kadam remains an inspiring figure, proud of her contributions to both films as they leave their mark on the world stage.
