The Laapataa Ladies team has made India proud as it has been selected as the nation’s official entry at the Oscars 2025. Directed by Kiran Rao, the movie starred young actors like Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Pratibha Ranta in the lead. The comedy-drama also featured Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan in crucial roles. After the announcement, jury chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars for scoring on ‘Indianness’. Barua noted that a film has to represent India’s social systems.

In a new interview with Indian Express, Assamese filmmaker Jahnu Barua, who led the Film Federation of India jury, shared why Laapataa Ladies was picked as the official entry at the Oscars. 

“The jury has to look at the right film that represents India on all fronts. Particularly, the film has to represent India’s social systems and ethos. The Indianness is very important, and Laapataa Ladies scored on that front,” Barua said.

The filmmaker continued that the “best-suited film” representing India must be sent as the official entry to the Academy Awards. Speaking about the list of 29 film titles, he added that the jury can choose from what they have been given.

The 13-member jury headed by Jahnu Barua ‘unanimously’ decided that Laapataa Ladies will represent India in the Best International Film category at the Academy Awards.

On Monday (September 23, 2024), the Film Federation of India announced that Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan’s backed film, Laapataa Ladies, has been picked as India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards.

Recently, after the big news, director-producer Kiran Rao took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note for Laapataa Ladies. In her post, Kiran shared that she is deeply honored and “beyond delighted” that her film has been chosen to represent India at the Oscars. She also thanked the cast and crew of Laapataa Ladies while stating that their “immense talent, dedication, and hard work made this film possible”.

The official handle of Aamir Khan Productions also acknowledged the latest achievement of Laapataa Ladies on Instagram. “Deeply honored and delighted for #LaapataaLadies to be chosen as India’s official entry to #Oscars2025,” read the post.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Laapataa Ladies was competing with Ranbir Kapoor and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, Karan Johar’s production Kill and Nag Ashwin’s directorial venture Kalki 2898 AD for the recent selection at the Oscars. The list also included movies like Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, and many others.

The story of Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies revolves around two brides Phool and Pushpa who accidentally get swapped during a train journey. While Nitanshi Goel played the role of Phool Kumari, Sparsh Shrivastava was cast as her on-screen husband, Deepak Kumar. Pratibha Ranta essayed the character of Jaya Tripathi Singh who impersonates her identity as Pushpa Rani. Chaaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan played Manu Maai and Sub-Inspector Shyam Manohar respectively.

For the uninitiated, Laapataa Ladies was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival  (TIFF) on September 8, 2023. It was released in theaters in India on March 1, 2024. It was premiered on Netflix on April 26 this year. The comedy-drama is Kiran Rao’s second directorial venture in Bollywood. Rao made her directorial debut with the film, Dhobi Ghat in 2010, co-produced by Aamir Khan.

When compared to his contemporary actors, the popularity and fan following Amitabh Bachchan enjoys is truly the most. The actor is still active in the industry, and his unwavering energy continues to inspire generations. 

Even at 81, Big B has proven his commitment to fitness. Owing to his discipline and healthy lifestyle, the actor has stood firm against some severe health diseases, including tuberculosis. Hence, we wonder what makes him so fit. So, let us explore the insights into Amitabh Bachchan’s diet plan and workout routine.

Time and again, the legend has opened up about his food habits and his childhood favorite dish on the stage of Kaun Banega Crorepati. When it comes to his daily diet, the Bollywood actor revealed his morning routine in one of his blog posts.

A sneak peek into Amitabh Bachchan’s diet plan

In his blog, the OG Don of the industry mentioned that after waking up in the morning, he consumes a few tulsi leaves. He also intakes protein shakes, almonds, and sometimes porridge or coconut water. Some other food items that Amitabh Bachchan usually includes in his breakfast are gooseberry juice and dates.

The 81-year-old also revealed that he has left eating non-vegetarian food and sweet dishes. The veteran actor said, “In my youth, I would eat, but now I have left eating nonveg dishes, sweet items, rice, and won’t speak any further.” Bachchan also revealed that Jaya Bachchan’s favorite dish is fish.

Well, since the Badla actor avoids desserts, he reduces his excess sugar intake, which is a crucial step in lowering the risk of obesity. Amitabh Bachchan follows a balanced diet and relies upon leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. Additionally, the Pink actor avoids junk food. Speaking of his lunch, he eats a proper Indian meal: dal, sabzi, and chapattis. 

Furthermore, staying hydrated is integral to the actor’s health regimen. He advocates drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It is one of the best things one can do to improve overall health. Keeping your body hydrated not only improves the detoxification process but also regulates body temperature.

Nevertheless, Amitabh Bachchan and his fondness for chaat is known to all his fans. During one of the episodes of Kaun Banega Crorepati 12, the Padma Shri recipient revealed his endless love for chaat. The Shahenshah of Bollywood recalled how he would visit the Delhi market and relish different kinds of chaat.

Amitabh Bachchan’s workout routine

Being in the 80s and still possessing a fit body is truly impressive! Amitabh Bachchan’s energy often leaves his admirers surprised, and his intense performances in films are a testament to his dedication to his exercise regimen. As far as his workout plan is concerned, the Kabhi Kabhie actor practices yoga, especially pranayama. 

Although he engages in hectic acting schedules, Big B ensures that some physical activities are part of his usual workout routine. This routine encompasses a variety of exercises, including light strength and weight training, jogging, and walking. This way, the National Award winner remains fit and maintains his overall health.

Besides focusing on physical well-being, Amitabh Bachchan has been vocal about a Positive attitude and mental health. He emphasizes getting quality sleep for at least 8 hours, ensuring that his body gets adequate rest to recover from fatigue and restore its energy level.

Fitness tips from Amitabh Bachchan

1. Consistency and discipline: Following a balanced diet and adhering to the principles to maintain a healthy lifestyle are the essential secrets that make the legendary actor a fit personality even today. 

2. Yoga and mental well-being: When it comes to fitness, one should not only focus on improving physical strength or muscle mass but also acknowledge the importance of stress management. Amitabh Bachchan has been candid about the benefits of yoga and emphasizes meditation, too.

3. Less or no sugar consumption: By not eating sweets and desserts, the actor has lessened the sugar intake. Hence, if you are someone looking for a way to fight obesity, it is one of the tips that you can rely upon.