Kiran Rao has returned to the director’s chair after a hiatus of 13 years with her latest movie, Laapataa Ladies. Since the announcement, the film has been the talk of the town. From its modest yet impactful storyline to Rao rejecting her ex-husband, Aamir Khan, for Ravi Kishan’s role in the film, Laapataa Ladies has been one of the most anticipated movies of the month. However, before the film’s release on March 1, 2024, fans have been wondering if it’s based on a true story.
Laapataa Ladies: Is Kiran Rao’s movie based on a real story?
Laapataa Ladies unfolds against the rustic charm of rural India. It weaves a tale of two young brides whose lives take an unexpected turn during a train journey. Phool, a bewildered bride, is going from her maternal home to her in-laws. Accompanied by her seemingly cheerful husband, Deepu, their journey intertwines with another newlywed couple’s.
However, fate takes a twist as the two couples reach their respective destinations, but the brides do not. The film introduces an element of mystery and chaos when the women get swapped. Laapataa Ladies unfolds as respective husbands go on a journey to search for their brides. Meanwhile, the women have their own self-discovery during all this chaos.
The film is not based on a true story but takes inspiration from a real-life event. Rao’s ex-husband, Aamir Khan, returned from a screenwriting competition he was judging and declared “a one-liner,” which gave way to the plot of a full-feature film.
Rao recounted, “Aamir came home and told me a one-liner, about two girls on a train and how they get swapped. And I was hooked. I knew that this was not just a great story but also a great opportunity for me.”
Laapataa Ladies is adapted from a story by Biplab Goswami, with screenplay and dialogue by Sneha Desai. The film also features a stellar star cast, including Sparsh Shrivastav of Jamtara fame, Ravi Kishan, and more.
