India’s official Oscar entry, which failed to make the cut, wins big at major Bollywood awards show

JAIPUR, India (AP) — The film that was submitted as India’s official Oscar entry but failed to make the final list of nominees has swept the International Indian Film Academy Awards, which recognize outstanding work in the country's film industry.

Director Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed “Laapataa Ladies” — renamed “Lost Ladies” for its Oscar campaign — emerged as the biggest winner at the 2025 IIFA Awards, bagging 10 wins, including best picture and best direction.

The 2023 comedy is about two veiled brides who are accidentally swapped during a train ride, and tackles issues of patriarchy and gender roles, a shift from decades of male-centered mainstream Indian movies.

“It’s a rare privilege to win an award for a film like ‘Laapataa Ladies.' It’s been a wonderful night. It’s a rare privilege to make a film like this,” Rao said in her acceptance speech.

Rao's film — a rare departure from most Bollywood films, which typically feature song-and-dance routines, violence and melodrama — also won in categories for best story, best screenplay and best actress in a leading role.

The annual ceremony of IIFA began in the western city of Jaipur on Saturday and concluded Sunday.

Indian cinema’s most recognizable names took part in the glitzy event and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actor Shahid Kapoor were among those who performed at the ceremony. The event was hosted by veteran director and producer Karan Johar and actor Kartik Aaryan.

The awards show also presents an opportunity for Indian celebrities to showcase their fashion, and this year was no exception. Notable figures such as Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor Khan displayed their fashion choices on the green carpet.

Bollywood actor Rekha poses for a photograph as she arrives for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony in Jaipur, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

Indian Bollywood actor and film producer Shah Rukh Khan arrives for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony in Jaipur, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit poses for photograph as she arrives for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony in Jaipur, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif poses for a photograph as she arrives for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony in Jaipur, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

Bollywood personalities Karan Johar, left, and Kareena Kapoor Khan share a lighter moment as actor Shahid Kapoor, right, looks on, on the first day of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Jaipur, India, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Deepak Sharma)

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A gas cylinder explosion early Sunday after a wedding reception at a home in Pakistan’s capital killed at least eight people, including the bride and groom, police and officials said.

The blast occurred as guests who had gathered to celebrate the couple were sleeping at the house, causing part of the house to collapse, according to the Islamabad police. Seven people were injured.

In a statement, police said the explosion occurred in a residential area in the heart of the city. A government administrator, Sahibzada Yousaf, said authorities were alerted about the blast early Sunday and officers are still investigating. He said some nearby homes were also damaged.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families, according to a statement from his office. He directed health authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and ordered a full investigation.

Many Pakistani households rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because of low natural gas pressure, and such cylinders have been linked to deadly accidents caused by gas leaks. Police said investigations were ongoing.

Government officials survey the damage of a home caused by a gas cylinder explosion hours after a wedding reception, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Ehsan Shahzad)