Anuja, a heartfelt short film directed by Adam J Graves, has been nominated for Best Live Action Short at the 97th Academy Awards. Backed by industry stalwarts Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Mindy Kaling, the film delves into themes of love, family, and resilience, while highlighting the work of Salaam Baalak Trust, a nonprofit organization that empowers street and working children.
A Moment of Pride for Indian Cinema
Reacting to the Oscar nomination, Priyanka Chopra Jonas called it an “incredible moment.” She stated, “This film is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling—how it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience in the most authentic way.” She praised the performances of lead actors Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag and expressed her pride in being part of the journey, collaborating with partners like Guneet Monga Kapoor, Mindy Kaling, and Shine Global.
Guneet Monga Kapoor, who also celebrated the success of The Elephant Whisperers at the Oscars, called Anuja’s nomination an “honour.” She shared, “It is a privilege to share the story of Anuja, representing the work of Salaam Baalak Trust India—the voice of countless youth who bravely face formidable circumstances every day. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile.”
She further emphasized the collaborative effort, saying, “The nomination is a testament to how we can cross borders, collaborate, and bring honest stories to life.”
A Stellar Team Behind Anuja
Produced by an ensemble team, Anuja boasts a powerful roster of talents, including Suchitra Mattai, Krushan Naik, Aaron Kopp, Devananda Graves, Michael Graves, Ksheetij Saini, and Alexandra Blaney as producers, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anita Bhatia serving as executive producers. Co-executive producers include Archana Jain, Susan MacLaury, and Albie Hecht.
The film also highlights the work of Mira Nair’s Salaam Baalak Trust, with lead actor Sajda Pathan—herself a beneficiary of the nonprofit—bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the story.
Streaming Soon on Netflix
Anuja is set to premiere on Netflix, bringing this poignant tale to a global audience. Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, shared her excitement, saying, “It is an honour to bring a beautiful, homegrown film like Anuja to audiences around the world. We hope this powerful story of resilience and redemption resonates with hearts everywhere and brings India another Oscar after The Elephant Whisperers.”
With its nomination, Anuja adds another feather to India’s cap, showcasing the nation’s storytelling prowess and its ability to craft narratives that transcend borders and touch hearts worldwide.
Sources By Agencies
