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Kuch Sapney Apne wins Laadli Award for Gender Sensitivity Filmmakers Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta received the Laadli Media Award & Advertising for Gender Sensitivity 2025 for their acclaimed LGBTQ+ film Kuch Sapney Apne at the 15th LMAAGS ceremony held at the NCPA. The jury praised the film for its “empathetic and fearless portrayal of queer lives,” recognizing its contribution to expanding inclusive narratives in Indian cinema. The citation read: “For its heartfelt portrayal of queer lives and relationships, its nuanced storytelling that normalizes difference, and its commitment to fostering empathy and inclusion through cinema, Kuch Sapney Apne is adjudged the Best LGBTQIA+ film at the Laadli Media & Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity 2025. The award was presented by noted film actress and theater personality Lilette Dubey to Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta. The film’s leading actor Shishir Sharma, and Rangayan’s mother Yadu Narayan were also present. Filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan said, “Our film not only deals with the romantic love between a gay couple, but also weaves a strong story of four women who stand up against patriarchy. It is a great honour for our film to be accorded this award, and a recognition that LGBTQ+ issues too fall under the ambit of gender sensitivity.” This is the 12th award win for the film Kuch Sapney Apne. Co-director, writer and lyricist Saagar Gupta said, “Our heartfelt thanks to Population First and the national jury of the Laadli Media & Advertising Awards. This recognition reaffirms that our work resonates not only within the queer community but also with the wider society. It strengthens our commitment to continue spotlighting narratives that are too often overlooked.” Yogesh Pawar, Director, Population First, said: “Kuch Sapney Apne stands out for its truthful and tender representation of LGBTQ+ individuals. Inclusion begins with being seen, and this film allows queer lives to be seen with dignity and warmth.” Hosted by Population First in partnership with UNFPA, the 15th edition honoured 97 creatives across media, advertising, literature, theatre, and cinema. Kuch Sapney Apne, a heartwarming drama about a gay couple and their family members has won 13 awards and screened at 34 international film festivals. The film stars Mona Ambegaonkar, Shishir Sharma, Satvik Bhatia, Arpit Chaudhary, Abhay Kulkarni and has 3 songs sung by Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj, Shaan, Shashwat Singh and Sushant Divgikar. The film had a limited theatrical release in India in February 2025 and is awaiting an OTT release.