Must-see cult films by Kiran Rao, Kiran Rao, Indian cinema, director, producer, Laapata Ladies, Peepli Live, Dangal, Secret Superstar

From her critically acclaimed directorial debut “Dhobi Ghat” to producing groundbreaking films like “Peepli Live”, Rao’s diverse filmography showcases her unique vision and commitment to innovative storytelling.

To celebrate her latest achievement, let’s take a closer look at some of Kiran Rao’s most notable works that cement her position as a pioneering filmmaker in contemporary Indian cinema.

“Peepli Live” (2010):

Directed by Anusha Rizvi, Peepli Live is a satirical comedy that explores the issue of Indian farmers’ suicides while also showing the reaction of the media and politicians to it. Backed by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao under the banner Aamir Khan Productions, Peepli Live was submitted as India’s official entry for the 83rd Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category. The film stars Omkar Das Manikpuri, Naseeruddin Shah, Raghubir Yadav and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, among others.

“Dhobhi Ghat” (2011):

Before turning director, Rao assisted filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker on “Lagaan” and “Swades”. However, she made her directorial debut with “Dhobhi Ghat”, which starred Khan, Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra. The film was a huge success with critics and was longlisted for the 65th BAFTA Awards in the Best Film Not in the English Language category.

One of the most successful sports biographical dramas, Dangal was also jointly produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Siddharth Roy Kapur. Based on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers, Dangal was a huge commercial and critical success. Khan played Mahavir, while Fatima Sana Sheikh and Sanya Malhotra made their acting debuts as the two Phogat sisters – Geeta and Babita.

“Secret Superstar” (2017):

After making her debut as young Geeta Phogat in Dangal, then child actress Zaira Waseem played the lead role in Secret Superstar, directed by Advait Chandan. She appeared opposite Khan in the film. Secret Superstar released in October 2017 and became a huge commercial success. Made on a small budget of Rs 15 crore, the film grossed over Rs 900 crore and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.