Bollywood’s rising actress Pratibha Ranta recently broke her silence on her Laapataa Ladies co-star Nitanshi Goel’s Best Actress award win. 17-year-old Nitanshi shocked everyone by winning the Best Actress award at IIFA 2025, surpassing industry stalwarts like Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif. Her victory not only brought her into the limelight but also reignited discussions around Laapataa Ladies.
Pratibha Ranta, who played a crucial role in the film, expressed her happiness during a conversation with PTI. She said, “I am extremely happy for Nitanshi. Winning such a prestigious award at such a young age is an incredible achievement. Laapataa Ladies was a special film for all of us, and this honor is a testament to the hard work we put into the project.”
Laapataa Ladies is a Hindi comedy-drama directed by Kiran Rao. Released in 2023, the film was widely appreciated for its unique storyline and stellar performances. It revolves around two newlywed brides who get mistakenly swapped while traveling to their husbands’ homes. Nitanshi played the role of Phool Kumari, which earned her the Best Actress award at IIFA, while Pratibha Ranta also played a significant role that resonated with the audience.
Praising Nitanshi’s performance, Pratibha added, “She portrayed Phool Kumari with such grace and innocence that everyone fell in love with her character. Her dedication and hard work were evident, so it’s no surprise that she won. During our time shooting together, I witnessed how deeply she understood her character.”
Pratibha also shared how Laapataa Ladies was a turning point in her career. “I consider myself lucky to have worked with a brilliant director like Kiran Rao early in my career. This film taught me so much, and its lessons continue to guide me in my work.” She further added that Nitanshi’s win has been a great source of motivation. “When a teammate achieves something so big, it inspires you to do better. I draw inspiration from her and hope we collaborate on more exciting projects in the future.”
Calling Nitanshi’s win a victory for the entire Laapataa Ladies team, Pratibha said, “This award doesn’t just belong to Nitanshi; it belongs to all of us. This film has given us so much—love, respect, and recognition. I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
With Laapataa Ladies already selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025, Nitanshi’s win has further boosted the film’s popularity. Encouraging young girls, Pratibha concluded, “If I, coming from a small town like Shimla, can make it here, anyone can achieve their dreams. All it takes is hard work and self-belief.”
