Kiran Rao: I’ve always been drawn to narratives that reflect the complexities of real life

Kiran Rao has consistently backed rooted films as a producer. Through Aamir Khan Productions, she supported films like Peepli Live, which tackled farmer suicides, and Dhobi Ghat, a quiet portrayal of urban lives in Mumbai.

Her latest, Laapataa Ladies, continued this trend with its focus on rural women and identity. Talking about the idea of backing movies that reflect the complexities of Indian society, Kiran told us, "Supporting authentic, engaging stories is absolutely a conscious choice. I’ve always been drawn to narratives that reflect the complexities of real life - stories rooted in culture, exploring new contexts, or offering fresh insights.

I am drawn to the kinds of films that have the power to shift perspectives and spark real conversation, and they could be in any form - documentary, animation, fiction or short.

So yes, I would be happy to support a “commercial entertainer” that breaks new ground in storytelling or challenges the status quo, so long as it is honest in its intent and I am drawn to its subject matter."

The filmmaker along with Biju Toppo (popular for his tribal documentaries) is now backing Humans Of The Loop as an Executive Producer.

It's the award-winning feature on an Adivasi woman working as an AI data-labeller. After Laapataa Ladies, this is the third independent film she has championed, following her association with Anand Gandhi’s Ship of Theseus and Karan Tejpal’s Stolen. Rao said, “I loved Humans in the Loop from the very first viewing.

It is deeply moving and thought-provoking. The film has wings and carries a very important global message about technology, labour, and the knowledge systems we risk losing.

Supporting this project felt both urgent and necessary.”Directed by Aranya Sahay and produced by Mathivanan Rajendran, Sarabhi Ravichandran, Shilpa Kumar and Aranya through Storiculture’s Impact Fellowship and Sauv Films, the film is set in Jharkhand and follows Nehma, an Oraon Adivasi woman whose livelihood in AI data-labelling exposes the hidden labour that powers “smart” technologies.Talking about what drew her to the project, Kiran told us, "I was drawn to Humans Of The Loop from the very first viewing, it struck me as deeply moving and thought provoking. The film’s striking imagery and deeply humane perspective made an immediate impact. What resonated most was how it explored the intersection of technology, labour, and the knowledge systems we risk losing in our rush toward progress. It raises urgent, globally relevant questions around equitability and representation in AI, and for me, supporting a film like this felt not just meaningful but necessary.

I’m always looking for stories that challenge dominant narratives and expand our understanding of the world."