Agartala Mar 31: The glitz and glamour of Indian cinema converged at the Pinkvilla Screen & Style Icons Awards 2025, where celebrated screenwriter and director Biplab Goswami, originally from Tripura, clinched the coveted Best Story Award for his cinematic gem, Laapataa Ladies.
Held in Mumbai on March 27, this prestigious event marked another feather in Goswami’s cap, spotlighting his remarkable contribution to Indian storytelling.
The star-studded evening saw a galaxy of luminaries, including Akshay Kumar, Rajkummar Rao, Tiger Shroff, Shahid Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Kajol, Ananya Panday, Anupam Kher, Sonu Nigam, and Himesh Reshammiya, being felicitated for their outstanding achievements in entertainment and style.
Organized by Pinkvilla, a trailblazing digital platform in entertainment and lifestyle since its inception in 2007, the Screen & Style Icons Awards has evolved into a marquee celebration of creativity and excellence.
Now in its fourth edition, the event continues to amplify the voices and talents shaping the Indian media landscape, making Goswami’s win a testament to his storytelling prowess.
A Global Triumph: Laapataa Ladies Redefines Indian Cinema
The Best Story Award is only the latest in a string of accolades for Laapataa Ladies, a film that has transcended borders and resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Earlier this year, the film was named India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards, a historic milestone that underscored its universal appeal and narrative strength.
Beyond its Oscars journey, Laapataa Ladies made waves closer to home when it was screened at the Supreme Court of India as part of an awareness initiative, highlighting its poignant social commentary on gender and identity.
Internationally, the film’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following a theatrical release in Japan, Laapataa Ladies enjoyed a multi-month run, captivating Japanese audiences and earning a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the esteemed Japanese Film Academy Awards.
Its selection at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) further amplified its global stature, where it received a resounding standing ovation from an enthralled audience. Adding to its laurels, the film clinched the Best Film (Critics’ Choice) at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, cementing its reputation as a cinematic tour de force.

From Tripura to the World Stage: Biplab Goswami’s Inspiring Journey
For Biplab Goswami, this latest honor is a continuation of a remarkable journey that began in the northeastern state of Tripura.
After honing his craft at Kolkata’s prestigious Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Goswami ventured into the heart of Indian cinema, where his unique voice and vision quickly set him apart.
Earlier in March 2025, he bagged the IIFA Award for Best Story – Original, a precursor to his Pinkvilla triumph, signaling a banner year for the screenwriter-director.
Goswami’s success is not just a personal victory but a moment of immense pride for Tripura, a region often overshadowed in India’s cinematic narrative.
His achievements have shone a spotlight on the state’s untapped potential, inspiring a new generation of storytellers from the Northeast.
With Laapataa Ladies, Goswami has proven that compelling narratives rooted in local ethos can resonate on a global scale, earning him a place among the most influential voices in contemporary Indian cinema.
Pinkvilla’s Legacy: Celebrating Talent and Innovation
Since its launch in 2007, Pinkvilla has been a driving force in chronicling the evolution of Indian entertainment, from Bollywood blockbusters to regional cinema breakthroughs.
The Screen & Style Icons Awards, with its blend of cinematic and sartorial recognition, has become a coveted platform for honoring the industry’s brightest talents.
The 2025 edition, held on March 27, was a dazzling affair that not only celebrated established stars but also spotlighted visionaries like Goswami, whose work pushes the boundaries of storytelling.
As the curtains fell on the event, the spotlight remained firmly on Biplab Goswami and Laapataa Ladies. With its blend of humor, heart, and a powerful social message, the film has redefined what Indian cinema can achieve, both at home and abroad.
For Goswami, the journey is far from over – this latest accolade is but a stepping stone in a career destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema. (With inputs from tripuranet.com)