Laapataa Ladies: Who Is Pratibha Ranta, Actress Who Played Jaya In Kiran Rao's Oscar Entry Film?

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for Oscars 2025. The film features Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan. Upon the film’s release, newer actors Pratibha, Nitanshi and Sparsh received immense praise and recognition. In fact, Pratibha, who played Jaya in the film, was even seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. She has amassed a huge fan following since the film’s release, which has piqued everyone’s interest in the actress’ life.

Who Is Pratibha Ranta From Laapataa Ladies?

Pratibha Ranta is a 24-year-old actress from Himachal Pradesh. As per reports, Ranta is from Tikkar in Shimla district and later moved to Shimla to study. She studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Chelsea in Shimla and graduated in filmmaking from Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Management in Mumbai.

She made her acting debut in the TV show Qurbaan Hua (2020-2021) but became popular after starring in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi in 2024. Her sister, Abha Ranta is also an actress and was seen in Heeramandi as well. She played the younger version of Manisha Koirala’s character.

Is Laapataa Ladies’ Pratibha Ranta Related To Priety Zinta?

When Ranta was still in Shimla, she would be called ‘Preity Zinta’ by her peers. While Ranta and Zinta are not related, this comparison was made because they went to the same school in Shimla.

During an old interview with PTI, Pratibha Ranta said, “It is ironic that Preity Zinta is from my hometown (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh) and studied at the same school. Everyone would call me Preity Zinta or I would get teased with lines like, ‘Dekho, heroine aa rahi hai.’ I was like ‘Ab to main Preity Zinta ban ke rahungi.’”

In an earlier chat with The Indian Express, the Laapataa Ladies actress recalled, “For the longest, we only had Preity Zinta who made it to the industry from there and my family would often say, ‘Sabki kismat Preity Zinta jaisi nahi hoti.’ In fact, I was also called by her name back in town, so growing up all that I heard is that I am a heroine and one day I will go to Mumbai. So I knew I had to figure a way out.”

What Is Laapataa Ladies About?

Pratibha Ranta has gained several fans since she appeared in Laapataa Ladies. The film revolves around the misadventures of two young brides who get lost on the same train. While Pratibha portrays the role of Jaya Singh, Sparsh Shrivastava plays the character of Deepak Kumar. Nitanshi Goel portrays the character of Phool. The film was directed by Kiran Rao and backed by Aamir Khan.

In a conversation with Filmygyan, Pratibha Ranta expressed that the film has deeply resonated with viewers. Pratibha said, “I’ve noticed that Laapataa Ladies has become more like an emotion. Whenever something happens, like if Jaya is getting a lot of praise, someone will say, ‘Praise Phool too,’ and suddenly Phool gets a lot of praise. If Phool is praised, then how can you miss Deepak? It’s just so beautiful to watch how people are emotionally connecting themselves to this film. I feel Laapataa has really become an emotion.”

Are Pratibha Ranta And Sparsh Shrivastava Dating?

Soon after the film’s success, Ranta and Shrivastava sparked dating rumours due to their chemistry in social media posts and frequent outings. However, during an AMA on Instagram, when a fan asked if they were dating, Ranta said, “No, of course not!” Sparsh Shrivastava added, “Yaar, ek ladka aur ladki sirf dost bhi ho sakte hain (A guy and a girl can just be friends).”

Pratibha Ranta currently has 1.2 million followers on Instagram and her fans are excited to see which projects she signs next.