‘Anuja’ gets Oscar nomination for Best Short Film (Live Action)

Behind its success are three staunch women advocates for diverse and meaningful storytelling — Guneet Monga, Priyanka Chopra and Mindy Kaling

By Arun Kumar

The Indian short film ‘Anuja’ has made waves by securing a nomination in the Best Short Film (Live Action) category at the prestigious 97th Academy Awards, marking Indian cinema’s growing presence on the world stage.

At the heart of the film’s success is the collaboration of three women — Priyanka Chopra, Guneet Monga, and Mindy Kaling — who have been staunch advocates for diverse and meaningful storytelling.

READ: 13 Indian Americans among Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists (January 24th, 2025) 

‘Anuja’ will compete for the top honors with other short films like ‘A Lien’, ‘The Last Ranger’, ‘I’m Not a Robot’, and ‘The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent’ at the Oscars 2025 on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

Written and directed by Adam J. Graves, ‘Anuja’ is a deeply moving narrative about a nine-year-old girl, ‘Anuja’, who faces a life-altering decision alongside her sister, Palak. As the two girls confront a pivotal opportunity that could change their lives forever, they must navigate complex emotions, family ties, and personal growth. The story mirrors the struggles that young girls face worldwide, touching on themes of gender, family, and resilience.

Executive producers Monga, a celebrated Indian producer known for her work on Oscar-winning ‘Period. End of Sentence.,’ and Indian American actor Priyanka Chopra, were joined by Indian American writer actor Mindy Kaling as a producer for this short film.

The plot of the short film ‘Anuja’ revolves around, “A nine-year-old Anuja, played by Sajda Pathan, who works alongside her sister Palak (Ananya Shanbhag) at a garment factory in Delhi, India. When the bright Anuja is faced with a life-changing choice, the future of her family rests on her shoulders”, according to Netflix.

The film stars Sajda Pathan as Anuja, Ananya Shanbhag as Palak, and Nagesh Bhonsle, who bring the poignant story to life with compelling performances.

“Yaaaay! ‘Anuja’ is heading to the 2025 Oscars as a nominee for Best Live Action Short Film! Incredible! Thank you to @theacademy for the amazing honour,” an ecstatic Priyanka Chopra posted on X.

“Huge congratulations to @adam_i_graves and the team of Anuja for capturing the essence of love, family, and resilience and for delicately highlighting the work of the Salaam Baalak Trust India and the importance of education in a childs life especially girls.

“I’m in awe of the incredible talent of our actors, Sajda Pathan and @ananya_shanbhag_, for their powerful performances and for bringing such depth and truth to these characters.

“It’s an honor for @purplepebblepictures and I to be a small part of this film’s journey alongside our amazing partners @suchitramattaistudio, @mindykaling, @guneetmonga, and @shine.global.

“Nothing makes me more proud than supporting the courageous storytelling of evocative films like this. @anujathefilm @netflix @netflix_in @belabaj @anneecarey #Oscars2025.”