Indian actor and producer Aamir Khan, along with director Kiran Rao, attended a special screening of Lost Ladies (formerly Laapata Ladies) at the Norris Cinema Theatre in Frank Sinatra Hall, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles.
The screening, co-hosted by Women in Showbiz Everywhere (WISE) and USC, celebrated the film’s global success and selection as India’s official entry at the 2025 Academy Awards for the Best International Film category.
USC’s head of programming, Alessandro Ago, introduced the event, followed by remarks from WISE president Vineesha Arora-Sarin.
Addressing the packed auditorium, Arora-Sarin said, “Bringing Lost Ladies back to Los Angeles as part of its Oscars journey is an honor. It is a proud moment for WISE to have supported this film since its release earlier this year.”
A live Q&A session followed the screening, moderated by USC professor Priya Jaikumar. Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, and Jyoti Deshpande, a producer at Jio Studios, discussed the creative process behind the film and its reception on the global stage.
Image- WISE / live Q&A sessionSpeaking about the film’s significance, Kiran Rao said, “Representing India at the Oscars is a milestone for everyone involved in Lost Ladies. The journey so far has been humbling, and we’re grateful for the recognition it has received worldwide.”
The event saw a strong turnout, including USC students and industry professionals. Many attendees praised the film's storytelling, while others expressed excitement at the possibility of it advancing in the Oscars race. “The response tonight shows the universal appeal of this story,” Aamir Khan commented during the discussion.
Due to high demand, the venue quickly reached capacity, leaving some attendees unable to gain entry. This enthusiasm mirrored the film's growing momentum as it continues to draw international attention.
WISE, which aims to support women in media, had previously showcased Lost Ladies in March 2024 as part of its Lady With a Film initiative. The organization has also featured Kiran Rao on its podcast, where she spoke about the making of the film and its impact.
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