Shimla, Sept 27,
Pratibha Ranta, a rising star from Rohru in Shimla district, has made her hometown proud by featuring in ‘Laapataa Ladies’, a film that has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2024 Academy Awards. Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, the film features Pratibha in the role of Jaya, a character that has won hearts with its poignant portrayal of emotions like love, loss, and the search for identity. The film was released theatrically in March and gained further popularity on Netflix in April, ultimately leading to its Oscar selection.
Pratibha’s journey from the serene landscapes of Rohru to the glitz and glamour of Bollywood is inspiring. She completed her schooling at St. Chelsea School in Shimla before moving to Mumbai for higher studies. Her acting career began with roles in web series and TV serials, but it was her performance in ‘Laapataa Ladies’ that has truly set her apart in the film industry. Her father, Rajesh Ranta, expressed his immense pride, stating that his daughter’s success has brought joy to not just their family but the entire local community. He mentioned that Pratibha, who hails from an orchardist family in Rohru’s Nawar village, has worked hard to reach this point and that the family is eagerly awaiting further success.
Other leaders across Himachal Pradesh, including Jairam Thakur, the state’s Leader of the Opposition, have also congratulated Pratibha and her family. Thakur emphasized how her achievements will bring pride not only to her hometown but to the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. He also noted that her selection for the Oscars is a testament to the talent that can emerge from the smaller towns of India and make an international impact
Pratibha herself has expressed her excitement over the film’s selection, calling it a “dream come true.” She noted how meaningful the character of Jaya is to her and expressed hope that the film’s themes would resonate with audiences worldwide. According to Pratibha, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ represents the richness of Indian storytelling and culture, which she is thrilled to bring to the global stage through the Oscars
With ‘Laapataa Ladies’ set to represent India on one of the biggest platforms in the world, Pratibha Ranta’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors, proving that dreams can indeed be realized with passion and perseverance.
