What ensues thereafter is a journey of these two women simultaneously finding themselves as they wait to be found.
KIRAN RAO: There absolutely was.
Actually, it was the script that spoke to me on many personal levels, as well.
Image via TIFF
So, it really spoke to me personally.
RAO: It was just the reason I made it, honestly.
And actually, that was the only reason I wanted to make this film.
So, that’s how the journey really started for us.
KHAN: Both, really.
I’m equally invested in the film, even if I’m not acting in it.
Image via Jio Studios
If I’m producing it, I’m equally invested in it.
What the film is saying is as important to me as a film that I’m acting in.
How vital do you feel like the male narrative is as part of this story?
In a vibrant and heartfelt story, two young women from a rural Indian village go missing on the eve of their weddings. The community is thrown into chaos as the families of the brides grapple with their sudden disappearance, leading to a whimsical exploration of love, hope, and personal freedom.
My brother was an ally.
Some other people were not allies along the way, but I went about my life with great positivity.
I think you have to keep your eyes and ears open and help them to help you.
I feel this film does that very, very beautifully.
You also rightfully describedLost Ladiesas a satire with a meaningful narrative.
DESHPANDE: I think satire is by far one of the most difficult genres to crack.
RAO: There was a layer of that.
Honestly, like you said, it’s a tool to talk about many things.
ROA: Anonymity and concealment, and almost an impediment by others who find it a problem.
They are reduced to just a single way of life that they have to accept.
It is their only option.
Also, their value is therefore reduced; it’s just one of many other such women.
So, therefore, a lack of identity in many ways.
DESHPANDE: And live with purpose, really.
She has a really great line about how women are being frauded into helplessness.
Who do you think Manju represents on the outside world?
It’s like being happy within yourself almost.
DESHPANDE: She can represent you and me.
KHAN: [Laughs] Someone like Kiran and Jyoti.
DESHPANDE: No shame in admitting that!
RAO: No, a lot of us identify with her, for sure.
KHAN: I do.
I identify with her, as well.
What do you think universal audiences, international audiences will be able to take most from this?
I’m really hoping that that’s what’s happening.
I think audiences from different cultures are actually feeling that they can connect with it.
They can really connect with the characters in the movie and the story.
That’s the beauty of actually watching a film from a different culture.
You get to enjoy the differences, but you also get to enjoy and appreciate what’s common.
I think even from the sense of speaking to people, that message is definitely hitting home.
Sparsh Shrivastava is spectacular in this comedy of errors.
Do you believe that cinema can really induce a long-lasting change?
KHAN: I do believe that.
I think that all of us get affected with stories, not just cinema.
I think all creative work affects us.
If you listen to a song, it affects you deeply sometimes what the words are saying.
A good painting can affect us in many ways.
Similarly, a film or a story, a book, all of these things affect us.
I think as individuals, as human beings, what gets us the most is a story.
You’re invested in it.
DESHPANDE: Very well said.
RAO: I agree.
DESHPANDE: I think we’re already doing that.
Without our encouragement, they want to talk about it.
So, I think it’s a hidden gem that the world needs to discover.
We’ve got it on its way and it needs to find its momentum.
Lost Ladies is Indias Official Selection For the Oscars
Definitely, and I think it is.
RAO: Fingers crossed.
But I feel the world is so ready for women’s stories.
What the Oscars and BAFTAs really do is give us a platform to actually amplify these voices.
KHAN: It means attention to your film, especially if you get nominated or you win.
KHAN: That many more people across the globe will be interested in watching your film.
RAO: On a personal level, I absolutely feel that.
It’s something that organically I feel, and I will strive to do.
KHAN: Oh, well, I thought he was a very, very attractive character.
RAO: No spoilers.
The potential for change.
Even a small change in perspective.
RAO: The most cynical people.
I need to help her at this time.
So people who are sincere and passionate about something should not lose hope.
They will be surprised by someone who they don’t expect.
DESHPANDE: I vouch for this.
And this is all part of the phrase the universe conspires.
So, one small shift can change someone else’s life, really.
That’s his trademark, for sure.
RAO: Oh, that’s a nice idea!
KHAN: We can give the British an experience of what paan is.
RAO: [Laughs] The expression must have been something.
KHAN: She was thinking that you’ve put some, you know, when you do witchcraft.
DESHPANDE: Magic potion.
So she was like, I feel like Im eating something really strange!
[Laughs]
It is like an explosion.
KHAN: It explodes, yeah.
Lost Ladiesis available to stream on Netflix now.
