Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.

Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.

Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

Rashmika Mandanna’s fashion game hit new heights as she attended Milan Fashion Week and took part in the Versace show. Serving one glam look after another in Italy’s fashion capital, Rashmika became a true sartorial inspiration for glamorous OOTDs. Donatella Versace, the chief creative officer of Versace, even shared a picture with Rashmika and other global stars on Instagram. In her latest look from Milan, Rashmika exuded high-fashion glamour with a pop of color, effortlessly owning the spotlight.

She wore a sleeveless black corset top with a deep scoop neckline, the structured bodice perfectly hugging her curves. The top featured an inverted conical hemline, adding an edgy vibe. Draping a black blazer over her shoulders gave the formal piece an informal twist. To elevate her bold, dramatic look, Rashmika paired it with high-waisted distressed jeans embellished with sequins, creating a striking contrast with the refined corset and blazer. A bold red handbag added a warm pop of color to her neutral ensemble, completing the high-glam streetwear aesthetic. The entire look was a fusion of luxury and contemporary boldness.

L’Oréal Paris, the world’s leading beauty brand, has unveiled Alia Bhatt as its newest global brand ambassador. Alia joins an esteemed lineup of the brand’s spokespeople, including Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning, and Camila Cabello. The acclaimed actress, producer, and entrepreneur will be featured in the French beauty giant’s campaigns starting in September 2024.

Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024, Alia Bhatt’s cinematic achievements span multiple languages and genres, earning her numerous awards and widespread acclaim. As a true multi-talented icon, Alia embodies the core values of L’Oréal Paris, advocating for inclusivity and empowerment, and sharing the brand’s mission of inspiring self-belief among women worldwide.

“We are thrilled to welcome Indian actress Alia Bhatt to the L’Oréal Paris family,” said Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global President of L’Oréal Paris. “Alia’s use of her global platform and role as a producer to promote inclusivity in the film industry and elevate Indian cinema on the world stage is truly admirable. Her dedication to caring for both people and the planet makes her an ideal ambassador for female talent, entrepreneurship, and the endless opportunities L’Oréal Paris seeks to create by uplifting women’s worth.”

Expressing her excitement, Alia Bhatt shared, “I am honored to join the L’Oréal Paris family and stand alongside a community of strong, powerful women. Having always been passionate about skincare, I admire L’Oréal Paris for its pioneering innovations and unwavering commitment to excellence in the beauty industry. The brand’s focus on women’s empowerment deeply resonates with me, as it strives to make every woman feel valued and empowered. I look forward to collaborating with L’Oréal Paris to make a positive impact in the beauty industry and champion inclusivity for women.”