Indian film excellence is once again being honored at The Academy Awards. The beautiful and brilliant Anuja was nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category. Anuja was produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga Kapoor and was written and directed by Adam J. Graves.
Anuja tells a hopeful tale of two sisters struggling to find joy and opportunity in a world intent on their exploitation and exclusion.
In his statement, the director revealed the inspiration for the film’s story: “We wondered why so few coming-of-age films feature the lives of working children. There was an important story here, or rather, an entire universe of stories waiting to be told. So, I dove headlong into the research on child labor, paying particular attention to sectors known to export products to wealthier nations. I was put in touch with NGOs that provide assistance to working children and their families, such as the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation and Work: No Child’s Business. This led me to visit the Salaam Baalak Trust, where I met with working (and formerly working) children, visiting their homes, observing their work, and meeting their families. Many of these children, mostly young girls, left school at a young age in order to help support their families.
“Despite facing difficult circumstances, the girls I met were resilient, gifted, and inspiring. It was impossible not to be moved by their ability to find and to create joy amidst harsh realities. I felt it was important to make a film that was true to their experiences but was also something they would want to watch and discuss themselves—one that drew from reality but without focusing excessively on the doom and gloom. I wanted to capture that wondrous combination of magic and emotion, of innocence and mischief, which is part of childhood itself—these are kids, not statistics. Though every film is collaborative, this one was much more so than most. Were it not for the talent and support of the children of the Salaam Baalak Trust (especially our brilliant star, Sajda Pathan), we never could have brought this important story to the screen.”
Priyanka is so proud, saying, “Anuja being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category is such an incredible moment. 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. 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 me to be part of this journey alongside our amazing partners—Suchitra Mattai Studio, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Shine Global.”
Mindy Kaling shared on Instagram, “AHHHHHHHH #AnujaTheFilm is headed to the Oscars! A story of resilience, sisterhood, and hope – we’re incredibly honored to be nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards 2025. Huge congrats to the brilliant filmmakers Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai and the entire creative team. And, of course, the incredible young actresses Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag. It has been such an honor to produce this short film and learn from the artists involved.”
Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor said, “Anuja is a story of resilience, sisterhood, and hope—an ode to the unbreakable bond between two sisters who dared to dream beyond their circumstances. Ultimately, it is a celebration of all the beautiful children who face dire circumstances every day around the world. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile. This nomination is a testament to how a story made with all heart can transcend all borders, sparking meaningful conversations about education, child labour rights, and the dreams of young children everywhere. Thank you, Academy, for this incredible honor. See you at the Oscars!”
